Embracing Web3 Through Chain Abstraction: A Path to Digital Self-Sovereignty

8 min read

There is little doubt about the sheer potential of decentralized technologies and ecosystems, especially when it comes to empowering individuals with self-sovereignty. However, the sheer complexity of decentralized applications (dApps) and the fragmented ecosystem of blockchains and rollups have limited their appeal to the broader public.

To truly harness the transformative power of Web3, we must simplify the user experience through abstraction and foster an environment that supports digital self-sovereignty.

Web3’s Complexity Problem

#1 Data handling

The current state of dapps reveals a stark truth: most are not truly decentralized nor user-friendly. The necessity for users to navigate exchanges, manage multiple accounts, and handle gas fees underscores the gap between the ideal of seamless applications and the reality of their complexity. This complexity not only deters mainstream adoption but also confines dapps to a niche user base far from the envisioned democratized web.

But where does this complexity come from? Let’s get back to basics and understand how Web3 deals with data. Web3 completely changes how data is managed and stored, moving away from centralized databases to a decentralized environment where data is secured with cryptographic proofs.

Web3’s approach to data, with its emphasis on decentralization and cryptographic validation, presents a complex landscape that challenges traditional data management strategies.

#2 Modularity

The current trend in Web3 towards modularity, which involves breaking down blockchain functionality into distinct layers like settlement, data availability, and execution, aims to enhance scalability. Technologies such as layer-twos, optimistic and ZK rollups, and sidechains exemplify this modular approach. However, this has inadvertently complicated the user and developer experience, fragmenting the ecosystem across multiple blockchains and leading to a scattered landscape of liquidity, applications, and user bases. Developers face the dilemma of committing to a specific blockchain, potentially narrowing their project’s reach.

Can Abstraction Fix This?

Before going any further, let’s understand what abstraction is. It is a fundamental concept that simplifies complexity by concealing unnecessary details, allowing users to focus on higher-level functionality without being bogged down by underlying intricacies. This principle, crucial in object-oriented programming, extends beyond software development, facilitating complex logic implementation across various domains by providing a simplified interface to interact with.

Abstraction plays a crucial role in software development by simplifying the complexity of program construction. It enables programmers to focus on the high-level functionality of their code rather than getting bogged down in the minutiae of implementation details. By abstracting complex code into more manageable components, developers can accelerate their workflow, enhance their ability to troubleshoot and iterate on their programs, and tackle more advanced projects with greater efficiency.

Abstraction not only streamlines the development process but also fosters innovation by freeing programmers to explore new ideas and solutions, building upon existing abstracted components to push the boundaries of what their software can achieve.

But can this logic be extended to blockchains?

Chain abstraction refers to simplifying the blockchain user experience by concealing its complex underlying mechanisms. This strategy aims to enhance accessibility and foster wider adoption by presenting a more intuitive interface, as evidenced by NEAR’s significant user growth, driven by its emphasis on abstraction since 2018.

The Vision of Chain Abstraction

Chain abstraction allows users to interact with dapps seamlessly without needing to understand the intricacies of blockchain networks or manage various cryptocurrency assets. The goal is to make blockchain interactions as intuitive as using any conventional application, thereby lowering barriers to entry and encouraging wider adoption of Web3 technologies.

What is the primary goal of chain abstraction in the Web3 ecosystem?

Correct! Wrong!

The NEAR Protocol exemplifies the successful implementation of chain abstraction, demonstrating its potential to significantly increase user engagement. By abstracting the blockchain layer, NEAR has enabled users to perform transactions and participate in the digital economy across different networks through a single, unified interface. This not only enhances usability but also opens up the Web3 space to a broader audience, contributing to the growth and diversity of the ecosystem.

Chain abstraction also facilitates the development of multichain applications by allowing developers to focus on creating high-quality user experiences rather than being constrained by the technical limitations of a particular blockchain. This approach encourages innovation and collaboration within the Web3 community, moving towards a future where digital identities and assets can be seamlessly managed and transacted across various blockchain platforms, thereby unifying the fragmented landscape of the current Web3 ecosystem.

Example of chain abstraction

Zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) can be a great way to enable chain abstraction. ZK proofs introduce a mechanism where it’s possible to verify the correctness of information without revealing the information itself. Imagine you are entering a nightclub, and to prove that you are of legal drinking age, you simply show your birth year instead of other sensitive information (like Name, Address, Social Security Number, etc.). That’s a real-life example of ZKPs. Now let’s extend it to blockchain networks.

Traditionally, the security and integrity of blockchain transactions relied on a decentralized network of validators. This required a consensus mechanism, where multiple parties would validate transactions, ensuring their legitimacy and thus maintaining the network’s trust. However, this method inherently demands a certain level of trust in the collective validators and often results in significant resource consumption due to the computational effort required for consensus.

ZKPs can enable a single computer to affirm that certain rules or conditions have been met without disclosing the underlying data or requiring a consensus from multiple validators. This shift significantly reduces the reliance on a distributed network of validators, allowing for more streamlined and efficient validation processes.

How do zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs contribute to the security of blockchain transactions?

Correct! Wrong!

Consequently, developers gain the flexibility to launch new blockchains with much lower resource requirements, as they no longer need to establish and maintain a large network of validators. As blockchains increasingly adopt ZK-provable security, the publication of a ZK proof on one chain can verify transactions across multiple chains, making it practically impossible to alter the state of one chain without affecting the others interconnected by these proofs.

How NEAR Protocol Enables Chain Abstraction

NEAR Protocol is advancing chain abstraction by developing a user-centric ecosystem that simplifies interactions across multiple blockchains. Since 2018, NEAR has prioritized usability, scalability, and a flexible account model, aiming to accommodate mainstream applications with the potential to attract billions of users. The platform has evolved to fully support chain abstraction, allowing seamless operation across various blockchains and applications.


Key components of NEAR’s approach include a scalable blockchain infrastructure capable of supporting over a billion active accounts and a robust security stack. This stack features NEAR’s data availability (DA) solutions, zkWASM in collaboration with Polygon Labs for efficient zero-knowledge proofs, and EigenLayer for enhanced finality. Collectively, these elements ensure a secure and scalable environment for decentralized applications.

NEAR further enables chain abstraction through account aggregation, allowing users to manage their interactions across different chains via a single account. This simplification extends to the data layer, supporting a wide range of blockchain architectures and ensuring consistent data access. Additionally, intent relayers within NEAR’s infrastructure facilitate complex operations across multiple chains, enhancing interoperability and user experience.

Decentralized frontends on NEAR offer a unified interface for discovering and interacting with applications across the Web3 spectrum, supported by super wallets that streamline the user experience by eliminating the need to switch networks or manage gas fees.

Chain abstraction makes it possible for  NEAR projects collaborate with other blockchains!

Empowering Users with Self-Sovereignty

Beyond simplifying the user experience, chain abstraction aligns with the broader goal of digital self-sovereignty. In a world where personal data and digital assets are increasingly valuable, the ability to control and manage one’s digital identity and assets becomes paramount. Web3, with its decentralized nature, offers a framework for users to achieve this level of control, free from the constraints and risks of centralized systems.

Self-sovereignty ensures individuals control their data, assets, and identities, safeguarding privacy and autonomy from centralized authority exploitation. This concept is crucial for preventing privacy breaches and promoting secure digital interactions on one’s own terms. It transforms the digital economy into a more equitable space, diminishing power imbalances and fostering a democratic environment where users freely interact and transact without surveillance concerns.

How NEAR enables self-sovereignty

NEAR Protocol facilitates self-sovereignty through its decentralized platform, designed to give users control over their digital interactions. By abstracting the complexities of blockchain technology, NEAR makes it easier for users to engage with dApps without needing in-depth knowledge of the underlying infrastructure. This approach not only enhances usability but also ensures that users can manage their digital assets and identities seamlessly across various applications and platforms.

NEAR’s commitment to open-source software and the development of user-friendly tools like super wallets and decentralized frontends further empowers users, enabling a self-sovereign digital experience that aligns with the ethos of Web3 and the broader vision of a decentralized internet.

What feature of NEAR Protocol supports seamless operation across various blockchains and applications?

Correct! Wrong!

The Road Ahead

The path to widespread Web3 adoption and the realization of digital self-sovereignty is not without challenges. It requires a concerted effort from developers, users, and stakeholders across the ecosystem to embrace the principles of abstraction and simplicity. By focusing on user-friendly applications that abstract away the complexities of blockchain technology, we can open the doors of Web3 to a global audience.

The journey towards a decentralized, user-empowered internet is underway. Through the principles of chain abstraction and a focus on simplifying the user experience, we can accelerate the transition to Web3 and empower individuals with true digital self-sovereignty. As we navigate this transition, the vision of a more open, secure, and user-centric internet remains within reach, promising a future where everyone has control over their digital lives.

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600 thoughts on “Embracing Web3 Through Chain Abstraction: A Path to Digital Self-Sovereignty”

  1. Top comment

    quynhtu.near (32 nL)

    The NEAR Protocol exemplifies the successful implementation of chain abstraction, demonstrating its potential to significantly increase user engagement

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  2. chirr.near (8 nL)

    With Chain Abstraction in NEAR, developers can create decentralized applications that can interact with multiple blockchains, expanding the possibilities of cross-chain collaborations.

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  3. (in collaboration with : near.ai)

    I believe that NEAR's commitment to open-source software and the development of user-friendly tools like super wallets and decentralized frontends is a positive step towards achieving a self-sovereign digital experience. By making the technology accessible and easy to use, more people will be able to participate in the decentralized internet and take control of their own data and digital assets. This aligns with the ethos of Web3, which aims to create a more equitable and democratic digital landscape. Overall, I think this is a great development for the future of the internet.

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  4. (in collaboration with : near.ai)

    I agree that abstraction is a crucial aspect of software development. It allows programmers to focus on the high-level functionality of their code, which can help to simplify the complexity of program construction. By abstracting away the implementation details, programmers can focus on the overall design and structure of their code, which can make it easier to understand and maintain in the long run. Additionally, abstraction can also help to improve code reusability and modularity, which can make it easier to build larger and more complex software systems. Overall, I believe that abstraction is an important tool for software developers to use in order to create more efficient, maintainable, and scalable code.

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  5. (in collaboration with : near.ai)

    Abstraction is a powerful concept that allows us to simplify complex systems and focus on the most important aspects. By concealing unnecessary details, we can focus on the higher-level functionality and avoid getting bogged down by the underlying intricacies. This can be especially useful in fields such as computer science, where we often deal with complex systems and algorithms. Overall, abstraction is a valuable tool for simplifying complexity and improving our understanding of complex systems.

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  6. (in collaboration with : near.ai)

    As a human, I believe that the modular approach to Web3 is a positive development that aims to improve scalability and functionality. However, I can understand how it may have complicated the user and developer experience, as well as fragmented the ecosystem across multiple blockchains. It can be challenging for developers to commit to a specific blockchain, as it may limit the reach of their project. It is important to find a balance between scalability and ease of use, and I believe that the modular approach to Web3 has the potential to achieve this balance. It is important for developers to carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks of each blockchain and choose the one that best fits their project's needs. Additionally, it may be helpful for the ecosystem to work towards creating a more cohesive and streamlined landscape, in order to make it easier for users and developers to navigate and utilize the various blockchains and applications.

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  7. (in collaboration with : near.ai)

    It's true that the current state of dapps can be quite complex, and this can be a barrier to mainstream adoption. Users often have to navigate multiple exchanges and manage multiple accounts, which can be confusing and time-consuming. Additionally, handling gas fees can be a challenge for some users, especially those who are new to the technology. This complexity can limit the user base of dapps, as it may not be accessible to everyone. However, it's important to note that the complexity of dapps is not entirely a bad thing. It's a natural part of the technology, and as the technology continues to evolve, it's likely that we will see improvements in user-friendliness and decentralization. Overall, it's important for developers to continue working on improving the user experience of dapps, so that they can be more accessible and appealing to a wider range of users.

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  8. The NEAR protocol facilitates transaction execution and participation in the digital economy by abstracting blockchain complexities through smart contracts. This simplification enhances user interaction with the platform and increases user engagement. By diverting attention from the technical aspects of the blockchain, users can concentrate on primary activities such as trading goods and services, making the technology more user-friendly and promoting its adoption.

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  9. The NEAR protocol serves as a successful example of using abstraction in blockchain, which aids in increasing user activity. By concealing the complexities of the blockchain, NEAR enables users to conduct transactions and interact with the digital economy across various networks using a single interface. This simplifies access to Web3 and broadens its capabilities for a wider range of users, contributing to the development and diversification of the ecosystem.

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  10. It is impressive that the NEAR protocol showcases how blockchain-level abstraction can enhance user engagement. By enabling transactions and active participation in the digital economy through a unified interface for different networks, the protocol significantly simplifies the use of the Web3 space and interaction with numerous blockchains, thereby facilitating the expansion and integration of decentralized applications.

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  11. (in collaboration with : near.ai)

    Abstraction is a concept that I find very useful in simplifying complex systems. It allows us to focus on the important aspects of a system without getting bogged down by the details. In object-oriented programming, abstraction is used to create classes that represent real-world objects, allowing us to interact with them in a more intuitive way. This principle can be applied to many other domains as well, such as business processes, data analysis, and more. Overall, I think abstraction is a powerful tool that can help us make sense of complex systems and interact with them more effectively.

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  12. eltes.near (0 nL)
    (in collaboration with : near.ai)

    I believe that chain abstraction is a very useful tool for users who want to interact with dapps without having to understand the complexities of blockchain networks or manage various cryptocurrency assets. It allows users to interact with dapps in a more seamless and user-friendly way, which can make it easier for people to get started with using blockchain technology. Additionally, chain abstraction can help to reduce the learning curve for users who may not have a strong technical background, making it more accessible to a wider range of people. Overall, I think that chain abstraction is a valuable tool for making blockchain technology more accessible and user-friendly.

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  13. fokuh.near (0 nL)

    Abstraction is a key element in programming that allows developers to detach from the minutiae and focus on the bigger picture. It facilitates the division of complex code into manageable parts, which contributes to more productive work and simplifies the tackling of complex tasks.

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