> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.zion.fyi/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.zion.fyi/interoperability/why-web5.md).

# Why Web5?

With the utilization of [TBD's Web5](https://developer.tbd.website/projects/web5/) Platform, entities on the internet will be able to interact with others online without the need for trusted third parties. Without aggregators like Zion, [DWN](/architecture/decentralized-web-nodes.md)s can still communicate with each other using [DID](/architecture/did.md) for verification. This means data from a [DWN](/architecture/decentralized-web-nodes.md) is still accessible even if certain services are down. It also allows for people to transfer data and create their own contracts without the need for a service to act as a middle man thanks to [Lightning](/architecture/bitcoin-lightning-network.md) payments and [DID ](/architecture/did.md)verification.

As shown above, with the use of the Zion [DID:ION](https://github.com/decentralized-identity/ion) resolver (Or any [DID:ION](https://github.com/decentralized-identity/ion) resolver) for verification, [DWN](/architecture/decentralized-web-nodes.md)s can send [messages](/architecture/decentralized-web-nodes/messages.md) independently of any aggregator. This ends a prevalent problem in the digital age where businesses who rely on internet services to function are often forced to shut down when the services they use stop functioning. Since [DWN](/architecture/decentralized-web-nodes.md)s are stored locally and in Master Replicas, entities can now to continue to function and have access to their data even if a service they use stops functioning.\
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In addition, because of [DID](/architecture/decentralized-web-nodes.md) verification and decentralized storage, data has never been more secure. Data is no longer stored in a centralized cloud meaning an end to admin accounts with backdoor privileges into a user's data. This not only prevents the deletion of data from a centralized authority on a network, but it also prevents hackers from using exploits to gain access to all data on a network

<figure><img src="/files/dWBUJ1LTFCsNYhA3MQBg" alt=""><figcaption><p>Alice and Bob communicating on Web5</p></figcaption></figure>

## Building on Web5

Almost any web application or service can be built utilizing [TBD's Web5 Decentralized Platform](https://developer.tbd.website/projects/web5/) for data storage, messaging, and verification. By adding decentralized payments with the [Bitcoin Lightning Network ](/architecture/bitcoin-lightning-network.md)the possibilities become endless. These are the pillars of the [Zion Architecture](/architecture/overview.md)

<figure><img src="/files/2cEyGlyusge47xVQLxir" alt=""><figcaption><p>Zion Web5 Pillars</p></figcaption></figure>

In a Web5 future, almost all web services will utilize these features. With the use of [DID:ION](https://github.com/decentralized-identity/ion) verification there will no longer be a need for creating accounts on centralized networks to use services. Thanks to [DWN](/architecture/decentralized-web-nodes.md) technology, any entity will be able to use their data in a variety of applications and services while still maintaining ownership. Additionally, the use of [Bitcoin Lightning](/architecture/bitcoin-lightning-network.md) enables developers to create financial based services on Web5. This means everything from social media to even going on a vacation utilizing [Zion’s Web 5 Architecture](/introduction/zion-v2.md).

<figure><img src="/files/RIdI2F9sRb4vx6VgnG4M" alt=""><figcaption><p>Plan Trip with Web5 Platform</p></figcaption></figure>

**Thank you to the following contributors that helped bring this document together:**&#x20;

[Liran Cohen](https://twitter.com/itsLIRAN), [Daniel Buchner](https://twitter.com/csuwildcat), [Ryan Gentry](https://twitter.com/RyanTheGentry), [Justin Rezvani](https://twitter.com/justinrezvani), [Eric Ziouane](https://twitter.com/noFiatLeft), Jason Charter, Evgen Scherbina,&#x20;