What is ICP: Understanding the Internet Content Provider License and Its Importance for Websites in China

Internet Computer's Positioning and Significance

In 2021, DFINITY Foundation launched Internet Computer (ICP), aiming to solve the challenges of centralized internet infrastructure and limited scalability of traditional blockchains.

As the "World Computer" that can run any online system or service entirely on-the-blockchain, Internet Computer plays a crucial role in web3, decentralized social media, and blockchain-based cloud computing.

As of 2025, Internet Computer has become a top 60 cryptocurrency by market capitalization, with a vibrant developer community and numerous decentralized applications running on its network. This article will analyze its technical architecture, market performance, and future potential.

Origins and Development History

Birth Background

Internet Computer was created by DFINITY Foundation in 2021 to address the limitations of existing blockchain technologies and centralized internet infrastructure.

It emerged during the blockchain technology boom, aiming to provide a scalable, efficient, and truly decentralized platform for running smart contracts and decentralized applications.

Internet Computer's launch brought new possibilities for developers and users seeking a more decentralized and efficient internet ecosystem.

Important Milestones

• 2021: Mainnet launch, achieving breakthrough in running smart contracts directly on the blockchain without traditional IT infrastructure.
• 2022: Major upgrades introducing advanced features like direct integration with Bitcoin and Ethereum networks.
• 2023: Adoption by various decentralized social media platforms, pushing ICP price to new heights.
• 2024: Ecosystem explosion, with the number of decentralized applications surpassing 1,000.

With support from the DFINITY Foundation and a growing community, Internet Computer continues to optimize its technology, security, and real-world applications.

How Does Internet Computer Work?

No Central Control

Internet Computer runs on a decentralized network of computers (nodes) spread globally, free from control by any single entity or government.

These nodes collaborate to validate transactions, ensuring system transparency and attack resistance, granting users greater autonomy and enhancing network resilience.

Blockchain Core

Internet Computer's blockchain is a public, immutable digital ledger that records every transaction.

Transactions are grouped into blocks and linked through cryptographic hashes, forming a secure chain.

Anyone can view the records, establishing trust without intermediaries.

Its unique "chain key technology" enables the network to run at web speed and scale without compromising security.

Ensuring Fairness

Internet Computer uses a novel consensus mechanism called Threshold Relay to validate transactions and prevent fraudulent activities like double-spending.

Node providers maintain network security by running specialized hardware, and are rewarded with ICP tokens.

Its innovations include high throughput, low latency, and the ability to serve web content directly from the blockchain.

Secure Transactions

Internet Computer uses public-private key cryptography to secure transactions:

• Private keys (similar to secret passwords) are used to sign transactions
• Public keys (similar to account numbers) are used to verify ownership

This mechanism ensures fund security, while transactions maintain pseudonymity.

Additional security features include canister smart contracts and the Network Nervous System (NNS) for decentralized governance.

Internet Computer (ICP) Market Performance

Circulation Overview

As of September 12, 2025, Internet Computer's circulating supply is 537,537,694.3830769 tokens, with a total supply of 537,537,730.8362082. The max supply is listed as infinite (∞).

Price Fluctuations

ICP reached its all-time high of $700.65 on May 11, 2021, driven by the initial launch excitement and bullish crypto market conditions.

Its lowest price was $2.87, occurring on September 22, 2023, likely due to broader crypto market downturns and specific project challenges.

These fluctuations reflect market sentiments, adoption trends, and external factors affecting the Internet Computer ecosystem.

Click to view the current ICP market price

On-chain Metrics

Due to limited data availability, specific on-chain metrics such as daily transaction volume, active addresses, and staking rate are not provided in the given context.

Internet Computer Ecosystem Applications and Partnerships

Core Use Cases

Internet Computer's ecosystem supports various applications:

• DeFi: Projects like Sonic Exchange, offering decentralized trading.
• Social Media: Platforms like DSCVR, enabling decentralized social networking.
• Web3: Services like InfinitySwap, facilitating decentralized asset management.

Strategic Partnerships

Internet Computer has established partnerships with technology companies and academic institutions to enhance its technological capabilities and market influence. These partnerships provide a solid foundation for Internet Computer's ecosystem expansion.

Controversies and Challenges

Internet Computer faces the following challenges:

• Technical Issues: Scalability and network congestion
• Regulatory Risks: Potential scrutiny from financial regulators
• Competitive Pressure: The rise of other Layer 1 blockchains

These issues have sparked discussions within the community and market, driving continuous innovation for Internet Computer.

Internet Computer Community and Social Media Atmosphere

Fan Enthusiasm

Internet Computer's community is vibrant, with growing daily transaction volumes and increasing wallet addresses. On X (formerly Twitter), related posts and hashtags like #InternetComputer frequently trend, with monthly post volumes reaching significant numbers. New feature releases and ecosystem developments ignite community enthusiasm.

Social Media Sentiment

Sentiment on X shows polarization:

• Supporters praise Internet Computer's scalability and decentralized features, viewing it as the "future of blockchain technology".
• Critics focus on price volatility and adoption challenges.

Recent trends indicate cautious optimism amidst market fluctuations.

Hot Topics

X users actively discuss Internet Computer's technological advancements, ecosystem growth, and potential real-world applications, showcasing both its transformative potential and the challenges in mainstream adoption.

More Information Sources for Internet Computer

• Official Website: Visit Internet Computer's official website for features, use cases, and latest updates.
• Whitepaper: The Internet Computer whitepaper details its technical architecture, goals, and vision.
• X Updates: On X, Internet Computer uses @dfinity, with posts covering technical upgrades, community events, and partnership news.

Internet Computer Future Roadmap

• Ongoing: Implement network nervous system (NNS) upgrades to enhance governance and performance
• Ecosystem Goals: Support a growing number of dApps and attract more developers
• Long-term Vision: Become a decentralized alternative to traditional cloud computing

How to Participate in Internet Computer?

1. Purchase Channels: Buy ICP on Gate.com
2. Storage Solutions: Use Web3 wallets compatible with Internet Computer for secure storage
3. Participate in Governance: Engage in community decisions through the Network Nervous System (NNS)
4. Build on the Ecosystem: Visit the developer documentation to develop dApps or contribute code

Summary

Internet Computer redefines blockchain technology by providing scalability, speed, and decentralized computing. Its active community, rich resources, and technological innovations set it apart in the cryptocurrency realm. Despite facing adoption and regulatory challenges, Internet Computer's innovative spirit and clear roadmap position it as a significant player in the future of decentralized technology. Whether you're a newcomer or an experienced player, Internet Computer is worth watching and participating in.

FAQ

What does ICP mean?

ICP stands for Internet Computer Protocol, a blockchain network designed to expand the internet's functionality with smart contracts and decentralized applications.

What is ICP for business?

ICP for business is a strategic tool that defines the ideal customer based on key attributes, helping companies target and acquire the most valuable clients for their products or services.

What is ICP in pregnancy?

ICP (Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy) is a liver condition causing itching in pregnant women. It can increase stillbirth risk but doesn't affect future contraception choices if liver tests normalize after pregnancy.

What is an ICP in healthcare?

ICP in healthcare stands for Interprofessional Collaborative Practice. It involves multiple healthcare providers working together to deliver coordinated patient care, enhancing communication and improving outcomes.