Self-sovereignty refers to the idea that individuals should have complete ownership and control over their personal data, identity, and assets. It is especially essential to the principles of Web3 technologies as they are designed to enable decentralized, peer-to-peer interactions without the need for intermediaries, or authorities.

In this Web3 context for example - on a blockchain network, individuals can have complete control over their cryptographic keys, which enables them to access and manage their digital assets without the need for a centralized entity.

Self-sovereignty is crucial to the future of technology because it enables greater privacy, security, and autonomy for individuals. Removing the need for third parties, so individuals can have more control over their interactions and transactions online, and avoid the risk of having their data and digital assets misused or mishandled.

Additionally, helping to foster greater trust and accountability in online interactions, as most of us are more likely to trust and engage with systems that prioritize autonomy and control over our personal information and assets.

Prioritizing self-sovereignty can solve several problems that society faces today, like:

1. Data Privacy and Security: In recent years, there have been several high-profile data breaches that have compromised the personal information of millions of people. By giving individuals complete ownership and control over their personal data, self-sovereignty can help to prevent these breaches and protect individuals from identity theft and other forms of cybercrime.

2. Digital Identity: According to the World Bank, an estimated 1.1 billion people globally do not have a verifiable legal form of identification. This represents around 15% of the world's population. The lack of identification can make it difficult for these individuals to access essential services such as healthcare, education, and financial services. It also makes it harder for them to participate fully in society and exercise their rights as citizens. The use of self-sovereign identity systems, which enable individuals to create and control their digital identities, has the potential to address this problem and provide greater access to these services.

3. Censorship and Repression: In many parts of the world, governments and other authorities restrict access to information and control what people can say and do online. Self-sovereignty can help to combat censorship and repression by enabling individuals to communicate and interact freely without the need for centralized authorities or intermediaries, and their control.

4. Economic Inequality: In many societies, there are significant disparities in wealth and income, with a small number of individuals and organizations controlling most of the resources. Self-sovereignty can help to promote economic equality by enabling individuals to own and control their digital assets and participate in decentralized, peer-to-peer economic systems.

Enabling a more self-sovereign future requires a multi-faceted approach that involves a wide range of stakeholders, including individuals, organizations, and governments. Here are a few practical methods that can help to promote self-sovereignty today & in the future:

1. Education and Awareness: Education and awareness are essential to promoting self-sovereignty. Individuals need to understand the importance of owning and controlling their personal data and digital assets, as well as the risks and challenges associated with centralized systems.

2. Open Standards and Protocols: Developing open standards and protocols for self-sovereign systems and technologies can help to promote interoperability, which is essential for enabling individuals to access and manage their data and digital assets across different networks and applications.

3. Decentralized infrastructure: Self-sovereignty requires decentralized infrastructure that enables peer-to-peer interactions without the need for intermediaries or centralized authorities. This infrastructure can include blockchain networks, decentralized storage systems, and other distributed technologies.

4. Regulatory frameworks: Governments can play a role in promoting self-sovereignty by creating regulatory frameworks that support decentralized systems and technologies. This could include measures to protect individual privacy and security, as well as guidelines for managing risks and challenges associated with decentralized governance.

5. Collaborative efforts: Promoting self-sovereignty requires collaborative efforts between individuals, organizations, and governments. This could include partnerships between technology companies and civil society organizations, as well as initiatives to promote self-sovereign systems and technologies in developing countries and other underserved communities.

Overall, promoting self-sovereignty requires a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach that involves a range of actors and initiatives. By working together to create open, decentralized systems and technologies, we can enable a more self-sovereign future that empowers individuals to take control of their lives, assets, and opportunities.