Genesis Document: Why Epik Is Pushing For A Decentralized Knowledge Graph
It’s the information age. We can barely survive without our devices. Everything has gone digital and it’s just the beginning. As our reliance on the digital world grows, companies devote more resources to acquiring more information. The quest for information by data companies continues to spike.
Indeed, it’s a double-edged sword. These outfits strive to provide the service we long for. At the same time, they build up a bank of information that can be weaponized. With such great power, they can decide how people live their lives. A clear example of how information can be weaponized is seen in how the spread of fake news degenerated to the siege at the capitol. Beyond the battle for more information, there’s the deeper search for knowledge.
The desire for knowledge makes life worth living. It’s the definition of having a higher purpose. By getting knowledge, we are more intentional in how we live. Through knowledge, we can live a fulfilling life — zero worries about the future.
How knowledge we are is all dependent on how we use the information available to us. Being knowledgeable translates to the ability to digest information.
It’s like how statisticians view raw data. Information is similar; it’s rough, impure, and disorganized. Like raw data, information can be polished to become knowledge. It’s all down to how the former is organized. As always, there are different ways to skin a cat same goes for the transformation of information into knowledge. The most preferred remains the knowledge graph.
The Epik Knowledge Graph
The role played by the knowledge graph in the digital world makes it such a powerful tool. A centralized knowledge graph highlights all the dangers of putting power in the wrong hands. Data scandals tell it all. Power corrupts — and it’s absolute when a knowledge graph is the ‘infinity stone.’
However, unlike the stones, a knowledge graph can be used for good. The far-reaching benefits of the knowledge graph are most visible in artificial intelligence. AI has grown in adoption in recent times — the success of earlier projects has inspired further development. With AI expected to relieve humans of some burden, a more robust artificial intelligence will take shape. The aim is to allow humans to spend time on more creative tasks, not repetitive chores.
Artificial intelligence has to be imbibed with the knowledge to handle all the repetitive tasks. These won’t happen without data. Feeding AI with data doesn’t make them smart. It’s like giving a toddler money, expecting them to know what to do with it. To fix the problem, AI companies use knowledge graphs on their algorithm. This guides the artificial intelligence guide on the use of the data.
How The Knowledge Graph Works
A knowledge graph is like a set of instructions for artificial intelligence on the organization of data. Without it, an AI acts blindly — nothing tangible gets done. Considering how important the knowledge graph is, there’s no reason why such a powerful tool should be at the mercy of a single entity. This brings up the emergence of a decentralized knowledge graph.
Currently, most knowledge graphs are centralized. Their development is shrouded in mystery, and it’s not accessible to everyone. With open-source development more beneficial in the digital space, a distributed knowledge graph is non-negotiable. A truly decentralized knowledge graph has to be people-centric. This won’t happen if people aren’t motivated to contribute to the development of such a knowledge graph.
Reward for Work
The concept of incentivizing work isn’t new. It’s as old as mankind. Incentivizing contributions for a common goal might not be new. Yet, it hasn’t been applied to the development of the knowledge graph. This isn’t for the want of a better model. Knowledge graphs are mostly in the control of the minority. This small group would rather give up the ghost than allow the majority have a say in the development of a knowledge graph.
Epik is creating a knowledge graph that has everyone contributing their quarter. Through Epik Protocol, the first decentralized knowledge graph comes to life. This knowledge graph relies on the premise of the Filecoin storage model, albeit with improvements.
Epik’s distributed and decentralized storage is both anti-fraud and efficient. The choice of decentralized storage isn’t just for the want of a democratized setting — it saves cost.
Epik can’t possibly match the finances of big data companies, renowned for their overflowing pockets and magnificent data facilities. Yet, the protocol is expected to challenge these entities for the soul of AI outfits. A cost-effective option is certainly a winner in any competition. Epik Protocol is counting on its cheaper knowledge graph solution in penetrating a highly competitive market.
Epik Works On A Decentralized Knowledge Graph
On its reward for work model, Epik has opted for the use of EPK tokens. Everyone that adds value to the knowledge graph gets rewarded with tokens. And lots of contributors are expected to take the bait. A decentralized knowledge graph which is what Epik is working on can make all the difference for blockchain networks.
AIs aren’t the only gainers from a decentralized knowledge graph — blockchain networks are not left behind. Such a knowledge graph sets the ball rolling for tools that move humankind closer to El Dorado. A truly decentralized knowledge graph isn’t only limited to contributions. Frankly, that’s only a tiny fraction of what decentralization entails. Being decentralized, the management of a decentralized knowledge graph has to be democratic. Everyone involved in the creation must be allowed to air their views on how the knowledge graph is run. Epik navigates this route using the governance technique popular among blockchain-based projects. Holders of the EPK token create proposals for operations of the ecosystem, vote on submitted proposals, and more.
Conclusion
The development of a knowledge graph is only the beginning. A knowledge graph is exactly decentralized if everyone isn’t contributing — and Epik hasn’t scratched the surface. If the project can surmount the challenges that lie ahead, perhaps it draws us closer to a more pleasant world.
Learn more about what Epik Protocol is building by visiting their websites below:
Website: https://www.epik-protocol.io/
Discord: https://discord.com/invite/Tz6kZbd
Medium: https://epikprotocol.medium.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EpikProtocol
Telegram: https://t.me/EpikProtocol