The proposal to transform BOB into a Store of Value (SOV) for the Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) has sparked a range of responses, with opinions divided, yet the broader vision remains clear. BOB’s potential to serve as ICP’s SOV mirrors the role Bitcoin plays in the energy markets. However, to truly fulfil this role, BOB must undergo a crucial transition: it needs to evolve into a public good, one that is owned and governed by the ICP Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO).
This transition is central to the ideals of decentralisation, which underpin the ICP network. The concept is simple: as a public good, BOB would no longer be a centrally controlled asset. Instead, it would become part of the ICP ecosystem, managed and driven by the community through the Network Nervous System (NNS). By transitioning control of the BOB canister to the NNS, just as with other network utilities, the entire ICP community would take charge of its ongoing development, ensuring that BOB remains in the hands of those who can shape its future.
The importance of this shift cannot be overstated. For BOB to fulfil its potential as ICP’s SOV, it must align with the network’s ethos of decentralisation and shared governance. This requires a community-driven approach, with stakeholders actively contributing to its evolution. The current moment is pivotal: it is time for the community to reclaim BOB, ensuring that it evolves not as a tool controlled by a few, but as a public good that benefits the entire ICP network.
The move to decentralise BOB and transfer its governance to the NNS would not only be a step towards achieving its SOV function but also a statement about the future of ICP itself. It reflects a commitment to the principles of openness, collaboration, and self-governance—values that are central to the ICP vision.
In the coming months, it will be crucial for the ICP community to embrace this vision. With decentralisation as the core principle, BOB’s integration into the ICP ecosystem as a store of value will offer a new layer of functionality and utility, driving further growth and innovation within the network. The time has come for the ICP community to take charge, ensuring that BOB is fully aligned with the broader goals of decentralisation and the future of the Internet Computer.