As blockchain technology continues to evolve, the Internet Computer (ICP) is emerging as a standout in the field. While many blockchain platforms offer decentralisation and security, ICP brings a fresh approach that redefines what a blockchain should be. Pierre Samaties, a key figure in the ICP ecosystem, shared his insights during a recent conversation with Anton Golub and Demetrios Zamboglou, highlighting how the Internet Computer is taking decentralisation to new heights.
ICP is designed not just as a ledger for tokens, but as a fully decentralised world computer. Samaties explains the fundamental difference between ICP and traditional blockchains, pointing out that while blockchains like Ethereum and Solana can host token ledgers, they fall short when it comes to supporting the complex needs of Web3 applications. “A proper Web3 application needs more than just a token ledger,” Samaties says. “It needs a front-end, a back-end, and data storage—all of which must be decentralised.” This is where the Internet Computer sets itself apart, providing a full-stack decentralised computer capable of hosting entire applications on-chain, from the front end to the back end, with complex backend logic and data storage, all decentralised.
This approach creates an ecosystem where developers can build more robust and scalable Web3 applications, without relying on centralised cloud infrastructure. The fully decentralised nature of the Internet Computer means that users have greater control over their data, and the applications they use can be built and operated without the need for centralised servers.
Another key feature that sets ICP apart is its innovative gas fee model. Traditional blockchains rely on gas fees to facilitate transactions, which can create friction for users, especially when they are required to manage small amounts of cryptocurrency to cover these fees. On ICP, however, users don’t pay for gas fees. Instead, developers are responsible for paying for compute cycles, much like they would with a traditional cloud service provider like Amazon Web Services. This reverse gas model makes it easier for users to interact with applications seamlessly, as they don’t need to worry about managing gas fees. The responsibility shifts to developers, who must monetise their applications for sustainability.
This shift in responsibility creates a frictionless experience for users, allowing them to engage with decentralised applications without the added complexity of managing gas fees. Developers, in turn, can focus on building more user-friendly and feature-rich applications without having to worry about gas fee complications. Samaties believes that this model makes the Internet Computer a more accessible platform for both developers and users, helping to drive adoption and innovation within the Web3 space.
One of the most exciting aspects of ICP is its ability to run large language models (LLMs) directly on the blockchain. As AI technology continues to advance, there is growing concern about the centralisation of AI models and the potential for misuse by corporations and governments. By running AI models on a decentralised platform like ICP, users can maintain control over their own models and ensure transparency in the process. Inputs and outputs are verifiable on the blockchain, providing assurance that the results are coming from the user’s model and not a centralised black box.
Samaties envisions a future where decentralised AI models become the norm. He points out that running AI on a decentralised computer not only offers greater control and transparency but also ensures that AI models are unstoppable and tamper-proof. “Centralised AI models are easily stoppable,” he explains. “With a decentralised platform like ICP, even if one node or data centre is attacked, the system remains operational because it’s replicated across multiple nodes.”
This capability has significant implications for the future of AI. By leveraging the power of smart contracts and decentralised computing, ICP enables AI models to be deployed in a way that ensures verifiability and trustworthiness. Samaties believes that this technology will be especially important in scenarios where AI models are used for sensitive tasks, such as government or corporate decision-making, where transparency and accountability are critical.
Another area where ICP stands out is its ability to integrate with AI models through its unique programming language, Motoko. Motoko is designed to be AI-friendly, enabling applications to be updated and maintained through simple prompts. This is a game-changer for developers, as it allows AI models to interact directly with the blockchain, making updates and changes to applications in real-time. Samaties explains that this integration between AI and the blockchain opens up new possibilities for the future of both fields. “AI can prompt changes to the application without worrying about complex interfaces or different layers of code,” he says. “This makes the Internet Computer the ideal platform for AI development.”
The potential for AI to become an economic participant in the ecosystem is another intriguing aspect of ICP. As Samaties points out, AI models could one day have their own wallet addresses and participate in the economy in much the same way as other digital assets. This concept opens up new opportunities for DAOs (decentralised autonomous organisations) to manage AI models, allowing them to operate independently and autonomously, without the need for centralised control. Samaties believes this will be a key development in the evolution of Web3, as it enables AI to become a true participant in the decentralised economy.
Samaties also discusses how ICP is creating a future where anyone can build and deploy applications simply by issuing a prompt. This vision aligns with the growing trend of low-code and no-code platforms, where users can create applications without needing to write complex code. By integrating AI into this process, ICP could revolutionise the way applications are built and deployed. “Imagine a future where anyone can create an app just by typing a prompt,” Samaties says. “You could build anything, from a simple website to a complex application, and deploy it with just a few lines of text.”
The possibilities for this type of platform are endless. It could democratise the app development process, allowing anyone with an idea to create their own application without the need for coding expertise. This would not only disrupt traditional software companies but also empower individuals to become creators in their own right, eliminating the need for app stores or middlemen.
As Samaties and Zamboglou share their insights on the future of ICP, it’s clear that the Internet Computer is positioning itself as a true world computer, capable of supporting decentralised applications, AI models, and much more. The platform’s ability to run large-scale applications, combined with its decentralised architecture and user-friendly model, makes it a powerful tool for the Web3 ecosystem.
Thanks to Anton Golub for facilitating this enlightening conversation with Pierre Samaties and Demetrios Zamboglou, shedding light on the future of decentralised computing and the role ICP is playing in shaping that future.
