In 2004, a new development emerged that represented a major step forward in the evolution of internet communication: Facebook, offering panels for expressing opinions, private chats, and other interaction mechanisms. Through this type of media, the sharing of information began to grow significantly, while the barrier of distrust was broken down. 

While most doubted there was any danger, the Cambridge Analytica scandal, involving the sale of data for elections, changed that thinking. In 2014, the case took on huge proportions, prompting a search for answers about who would be responsible for the leaks. It was the first time everyone realized how much access to digital content could promote the concentration of power. 

People delved deeper into the market's interests regarding private data, and crimes were uncovered.

Subsequent events only reinforced the perspective that few companies operating in the communications sector disregarded ethical principles when collecting private data. The pursuit of ever-increasing profits distanced corporations from any commitment to their customers. In 2018, for example, Marriott International allowed 500 users of its services to have their passwords, lodging locations, habits, and documents leaked. 

Both data leaks resulting from hacker attacks and the sale of confidential information are morally reprehensible. When registering on an e-commerce site to make a purchase, a consent form is signed. The frequent efforts by the private and public sectors to regulate the exchange of information, as observed in the LGPD (Brazilian General Data Protection Law) here in Brazil, are still incipient, although important.

An idea that could change everything by decentralizing power over online actions.

The need for efficient laws in organizing concepts, adapting organizations, and punishing those who violate existing norms is undeniable. However, with the publication of the paper that gave rise to Bitcoin, by the anonymous figure of Satoshi Nakamoto in 2008, the technology improved. Taking advantage of the financial crisis experienced by banks, he launched the digital currency Bitcoin, which operated in a decentralized manner. 

Bitcoins use blockchain, a reinforced cryptography, ensuring the functioning of a 100% online financial system. The main characteristic is the absence of an institution or group controlling the transactions, which are made individually. Developers with high-capacity processing computers maintain and ensure the continuity of the blocks.

Each block is a different code, resembling a chain that describes an anonymous and non-transferable action. The end-to-end encrypted network prevents third parties from infiltrating the operation. Far beyond the complexity involving the universe of cryptocurrencies and ignoring its capitalization effect, its functionalities demonstrate the potential to create secure and decentralized virtual environments in which everyone has control over their own data.