In a world where the web has become fragmented, overly controlled by major platforms, and filled with bots and fake accounts, it's clear that something new is needed—a way to make the web a safer, more collaborative, and contextually rich space. Enter the Meta-Layer Initiative, a project that aims to build a foundational application substrate for creating overlay applications, smart tags, and meta-communities that operate above the current web.
If these terms seem unfamiliar or challenging, it's because they represent something entirely new—concepts that speak to a future of the web that doesn't yet exist. That's why we need new terms to capture this groundbreaking vision. Let's take a moment to define them:
But what exactly do we mean by an application substrate? Think of the application substrate as both the foundation and infrastructure of a skyscraper. Just as a skyscraper requires a solid framework—its plumbing, electricity, and structural integrity—the application substrate provides the essential components that support everything built on top of it. This includes core functionalities like authentication, data sovereignty, security, and more. Without this robust infrastructure, individual rooms or floors wouldn't have the functionality or reliability they need to operate smoothly.
Once this foundation is set, developers can come in and act as interior designers, shaping the look, feel, and functionality of specific overlay applications, smart tags, or interactions within the Meta-Layer. The infrastructure is universal, supporting the entire system, but the interior design is customizable—tailored to the needs and preferences of each participant, developer, or community. This mirrors how the App Store opened up the creativity of developers to shape mobile experiences; the Meta-Layer's substrate allows developers to build a wide variety of applications that function across the web, enriching the user experience.
This strategy is designed to unleash the creativity of developers, empowering them to innovate and build applications that work across multiple websites. Whether creating new collaboration tools, adding contextual enhancements to content, or enabling real-time interactions, developers can focus on building unique, personalized experiences, knowing that the core functionality—much like the infrastructure of a skyscraper—is already taken care of. They will also benefit from access to a vast network of overlay enthusiasts, providing ample opportunities to test and refine their overlay technologies, products, or applications.
Whether you're a developer, a community organizer, or just someone who values a more trustworthy and secure internet, the Meta-Layer offers a vision for how we can transform the web by creating a layer of interaction, context, and accountability that sits on top of existing webpages.
The current web is plagued by many challenges including:
The Meta-Layer tackles these challenges through several transformative use cases, introducing new ways to experience the web. As these concepts are entirely new, they also require fresh definitions to fully grasp their potential. In an era where technology is evolving at breakneck speed, the Meta-Layer offers a way for humanity to catch up, providing tools that empower individuals and communities to navigate the rapidly changing digital landscape with greater control, security, and agency. It bridges the gap between technological advancement and human-centric design, ensuring that people remain at the heart of the internet's future.
Participants will be able to verify whether they are interacting with real, authenticated individuals who are in good standing.
Example: Imagine joining an online discussion where you can instantly tell that every participant is a verified real person, reducing the chances of interacting with bots, trolls, or impersonators.
For the first time, people will have visibility on the same webpage, allowing for spontaneous interactions, meetings, and collaborations in real-time.
Example: While reading an article, you notice a friend is also on the page, leading to an impromptu chat about the content right there. You can also meet people that you don't know on webpages of your common interests.
Participants will be able to directly interact with content through annotations, comments, and smart tags that add context and insights, all while staying within the flow of their browsing.
Example: You highlight a paragraph in a blog post and add a smart tag that links to relevant research, helping other readers deepen their understanding.
The Meta-Layer allows participants to see the context behind the content they're focusing on, offering a richer understanding of its history, related information, and community insights.
Example: While watching a video, you can instantly access background information on the creators and see related discussions from your community.
Participants will have control over their personal data, ensuring that they can decide who can access their information and how it is used.
Example: When signing up for a new service, you get to choose exactly what data they can access, and you can revoke that access whenever you want. You can also monetize your data through data cooperatives.
The Meta-Layer will introduce mechanisms to ensure that AI systems operating within the layer are governed by transparent rules and enforceable safeguards.
Example: When interacting with content, you can be confident that bots are not artificially promoting it for malicious purposes. AIs must have a verified identity, ensuring transparency in recognizing when you're engaging with a bot. Additionally, AIs cannot use your data without your explicit consent.
The inspiration for the Meta-Layer project is the recently published book, The Metaweb: The Next Level of the Internet. Penned by Bridgit DAO, the book introduces the Metaweb as the decentralized space above the webpage; a meta-layer over today's web that enables people, information, transactions, and interactions to have a presence above the webpages, within an environment with safety, agency, data sovereignty, and accountability.
The Meta-Layer can be likened to a multi-layered cake, where today's web is only the bottom layer. Just like early cakes were single-layered, flat, and uniform, today's web operates largely in a two-dimensional space where interactions are limited by the architecture of the webpage. Users are constrained to what the original page designer built into the site, such as pop-ups, videos, or commenting embedded in the content layer.
In the mid-1800s, cakes evolved into multi-layered desserts, introducing new possibilities for taste, texture, and decoration. Similarly, the Meta-Layer adds layers above the existing web, providing additional dimensions for information, interactions, and transactions. These layers enable participants to add smart tags and annotations, use overlay applications, and engage with meta-communities, all without modifying the underlying web content.
While the core content of the webpage remains unchanged—just as a cake's base remains the foundation—the Meta-Layer introduces a transparent, interactive space above it. This allows for new functionalities, much like how decorators can add new flavors, colors, and decorations in the cake's upper layers.
On September 16th, we held the first of several meetings to kick off the Meta-Layer initiative, bringing together a diverse group of thought leaders across the fields of technology, business, and social impact. This initial gathering laid the foundation for what will be a series of collaborative discussions aimed at shaping the future of the Meta-Layer. Vint Cerf, one of the "Fathers of the Internet," graciously led the discussion, offering invaluable insights into how we can build a decentralized infrastructure that embodies the principles of security, privacy, accountability, and agency.
A highlight of the meeting was Vint's focus on the need for a federated strong authentication system. Just as a skyscraper's plumbing or a cake's internal structure quietly sustains its integrity, federated strong authentication system would ensure the uniqueness and accountability of participants across the Meta-Layer. The Meta-Layer is meant to be built on simplicity, ensuring that the fundamental structures—such as authentication, privacy, and agency—are integrated seamlessly into the system, like the electricity and plumbing in a well-designed building.
This meeting marked the beginning of an ongoing conversation, and we invite anyone who feels they can contribute to future phases of the project. Our goal is to create a space where diverse perspectives come together to ensure the Meta-Layer reflects the needs and values of a broad spectrum of communities. Whether you're interested in privacy, security, interoperability, or digital rights, your voice can help shape this transformative layer of the web.
We are also working on a broad roadmap that will guide the project forward. This roadmap outlines key milestones, such as defining the desirable properties of a meta-layer, building business models for sustainability, and developing strong authentication systems. As the Meta-Layer evolves, there will be numerous opportunities for participation, and we welcome your ideas and involvement in the future phases of this project.
Deadline: January 31st, 2025 at 11:59p PDT
As we embark on building the Meta-Layer, the foundation for a new internet infrastructure, we recognize the importance of ensuring that it meets the needs and expectations of diverse communities. That's why we are extending an open Call for Input on the list of desirable properties for the Meta-Layer. These properties will be critical to shaping the essay, which will serve as the guiding vision for the Meta-Layer's development.
This is your opportunity to contribute to the future of the internet. Whether you're passionate about privacy, security, collaboration, or creativity, we welcome your ideas. Your insights will help define how the Meta-Layer operates by addressing technical, ethical, and community concerns. Our goal is to ensure that the essay reflects the perspectives of all stakeholders and ultimately drives the creation of technology that serves everyone.
We invite written contributions for several months. Every participant who contributes a meaningful idea will be recognized both online and on-chain and will receive the Overweb digital badge commemorating their contribution to this historic project.
When considering desirable properties for the Meta-Layer, think about the fundamental characteristics that would make this layer valuable and practical for users, developers, and communities alike. Here are a few prompts to help guide your thinking:
Your contributions will be immortalized on the Bitcoin blockchain. Learn how at https://bridgit.io/meta-layer/contribute.
The Meta-Layer is not just a technical infrastructure—it's a new way of thinking about the web. We believe in creating a safer, more collaborative, and contextually rich environment for all participants. Your contributions are critical to ensuring that the Meta-Layer reflects the needs and values of diverse communities.
As we move forward with writing the essay on the desirable properties of the Meta-Layer, it's helpful to revisit the metaphor of a cake or skyscraper. The Meta-Layer creates the infrastructure—the foundation and plumbing—that developers and communities can build upon. It allows for customization, much like designing the interior of a skyscraper or adding layers to a cake. The core web remains intact, but the Meta-Layer enables new rooms of interaction, giving participants more control and more ways to engage with content and each other.
We invite you to join us in building this new layer of the web—the icing on the cake—that will make the internet a more dynamic, secure, and collaborative space for everyone.
Let's work together to shape the future. We look forward to your input!
For more info, visit https://bridgit.io/meta-layer.