A central authority (a server) had been created and all users that wanted to exchange digital information with each other had to go through this entity first. All file exchanges were taking place afterwards between users themselves afterwards, using their own computer as a route server — while there were no technical restrictions preventing them from connecting directly, such filesharing servers prevented such direct connections - due to centralized planning and control over decentralized networks by putting up firewalls along with charging obscene amounts of money for taking in the information.
Inspired by the idea of Equal Money that supports equality, fairness and transparency for all beings, ICP was created as a protocol to reach those goals even on an internet level. A new social network platform without a central authority - a true peer-to-peer (P2P) network between equal computers – an internet computer – built upon the already existing Internet.
Unlike other cryptocurrencies IPC can not be mined or created – it has been implemented from day 1 as a currency only consisting of 100 000 000 units (1 unit = 1 share of IPC), which has been distributed equally amongst all people over 18 years old at the beginning of 2018. This way everyone will start with equal amount of money, having the same opportunities and the same possibilities for their lifetime.
IPC allows its users to communicate freely together, creating communities and exchanging digital information in a peer-to-peer (P2P) way without having to go through central servers for this purpose anymore. As such it can be seen as an alternative social network platform that has been created by the people themselves instead of being forced upon them by companies running for financial gain.
The internet computer protocol ICP is said to allow users to create their own content and it provides a platform where everyone would have equal rights and opportunities within life.
People will be able to use IPC to pay/get paid with other individuals or businesses anywhere the world. Not only money but also any other content will be able to freely travel around the world.
People can find and connect with people who share their interests and knowledge, because of IPC's ability to communicate in a P2P way. As such the user community will grow stronger, while also connecting even more communities into one huge network; which improves security, stability and overall functionality of ICP as a platform.
Users will be able to create their own cryptocurrencies (sharing methods) through special coded algorithms or programs:
Naming systems: Named after places/people/events - could contain p2p information about e.g. location, date of birth... anything you want really.
Currency systems: Based on equal money principles - could contain p2p information about e.g. type of currency, name of issuer... anything you want really.
Communication systems: Based on text/audio/video - can be used to communicate with other users or any system within ICP or outside the internet computer protocol.
One-time use types for specific purposes - could contain p2p information about e.g. access rights for a specific time only to your content only (a tool for digital locks).