As the digital economy evolves, the world of crypto assets (virtual currency) is also rapidly changing. One project that is particularly noteworthy is “Pi Network”. While many people see this as just another virtual currency, the founders’ vision is a complex one that goes far beyond that. This article will explain in detail the true nature that Pi Network aims for and its important role in the transition from Web2 to Web3.
Transition from Web2 to Web3: A Major Transformation of the Digital World
Currently, the world of the internet is at a major turning point. The shift from Web2, dominated by centralized platforms, to Web3, a user-led decentralized system, is progressing. This transition is not easy, but it is an inevitable evolutionary process in the digital world.
The difference between Web2 and Web3 is not just in domain names. Pi Network officially introduced the .pi domain on March 17, 2025, establishing a domain system for Web3. This allows for the transition from traditional .com and .net to .pi. This announcement was made in conjunction with the start of PiFest 2025.
The essential difference between Web2 and Web3 lies in the decentralization of authority and control. In Web3, users can manage their own data and financial transactions more securely and transparently.
Key Differences Between Web2 and Web3
- Web2: Centralized, managed by platform companies
- Web3: Decentralized, users have the initiative
- Web2: Domains like .com, .net
- Web3: New domain formats based on blockchain technology (.pi, .pinet, etc.)
- Web2: Data is owned by the platform
- Web3: Data ownership belongs to the user
Pi Network’s Founding Team and Vision
Pi Network was founded in 2019 by three individuals: Dr. Nicolas Kokkalis (Head of Technology), Dr. Chengdiao Fan (Head of Product), and Vincent McPhillip (Head of Community). Dr. Kokkalis, in particular, as the technical leader, is not just a virtual currency developer but a visionary with an eye on the future of the digital economy.
Dr. Kokkalis aims to bring the benefits of blockchain technology to the general public through Pi Network. In his view, the true value of crypto assets lies not in speculative trading but in building a practical digital economic system.
“Pi Network’s goal is to democratize blockchain technology and build a decentralized economic system accessible to everyone.”
Pi Network Ecosystem: A Comprehensive Digital Economy
Pi Network is not just a virtual currency; it aims to build a complete digital ecosystem. This ecosystem is planned to encompass various decentralized finance (DeFi) applications and blockchain-based services.
Key Components of the Pi Network Ecosystem
- Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Integration: According to reports, over 100 DeFi projects are expected to join the Pi Network ecosystem.
- Smart Contracts: Contracts that execute automatically enable transactions without intermediaries.
- NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens): Clarify ownership of digital assets and bring new revenue streams to creators.
- Decentralized Applications (DApps): Development of applications that do not rely on central administrators is promoted.
Through such a comprehensive approach, Pi Network has the potential to go beyond being just a payment method and become a foundation for global transactions and economic activities.
Current Status of Pi Network: Development Phase and Mining Process
Pi Network officially launched its Open Mainnet on February 20, 2025, evolving into a fully decentralized ecosystem. The number of users who have completed KYC exceeds 19 million (as of March 2025), and many users are migrating to the Mainnet.
Users worldwide, including in Japan, are participating in “mining” through a smartphone app. Unlike traditional virtual currency mining, this process is designed to be environmentally friendly, not requiring high computing power or large amounts of electricity.
Characteristics of the Mining Process
- Participation is possible by simply tapping the “mining button” in the app once every 24 hours
- Expansion while building a network of trust through a referral system
- Secure earned Pi coins by completing KYC (Know Your Customer)
- Pi Network utilizes the Stellar Consensus Protocol (SCP), making it energy-efficient and mobile-friendly
Domain Revolution: .pi and .pinet
With the transition to Web3, the internet’s domain system is also undergoing transformation. Unlike traditional Web2 domains (.com, .net), Pi Network is proposing new domain formats based on blockchain technology.
New domain extensions like .pi and .pinet are not just different names; they are part of a new identity system in the decentralized internet. These domains are managed on the blockchain, rather than traditional centralized domain management systems, providing more transparent ownership.
Importance of Community: Key to Pi Network’s Success
One of the most important factors in the development of Pi Network is community support. Currently, there are millions of Pioneers (Pi users) worldwide supporting the growth of this ecosystem.
Strengthening the community is essential for realizing Pi Network’s vision. By actively participating in building the ecosystem, not just mining currency, users contribute to the formation of a truly decentralized network.
Ways to Participate in the Community
- Network support through daily mining
- Knowledge sharing and awareness activities in local communities
- Development and use of Pi Network-based applications
- Promotion of transactions and economic activities within the ecosystem
Current Market Situation and Considerations
While Pi Network has not officially started listing on exchanges, Pi coins are already being traded on some unofficial exchanges. Prices on these exchanges are highly volatile, and there are recent reports of trading around $1.3.
Interestingly, despite the circulating supply decreasing from 1.11 billion to 699 million, a significant price increase has not been observed. This may indicate the complex dynamics of the crypto asset market.
Until the full migration to the official Mainnet is completed, the true value and market position of Pi Network remain fluid. At this point, it may be important to observe the project’s development from a long-term perspective.
Latest Announcement: Pi Day 2025
On March 14, 2025 (Pi Day), Pi Network made an important announcement. This announcement revealed the introduction of Pi Domains and a new domain system specifically for the Web3 environment. It is now possible to acquire .pi domains using Pi cryptocurrency in an auction format through domains.pinet.com, providing a foundation for developing businesses and projects in the Web3 world.
As indicated by the statement, “To have a website in the internet world, you need a domain. Similarly, to establish a presence in the Web3 world, you will need a .pi domain,” Pi Network is focusing on infrastructure development for the Web3 era.
Crypto Asset Regulations in Japan and Pi Network
In Japan, crypto assets (virtual currency) are regulated by the Financial Services Agency, and exchanges are required to be registered. For Pi Network to be officially traded in Japan, it would likely need to be listed on an authorized exchange.
Furthermore, in Japan, crypto assets are positioned as “property value” rather than a “means of payment.” Therefore, for Pi Network to be widely used as a daily payment method in the future, changes in the regulatory environment may be necessary.
When Japanese users participate in Pi Network, they also need to be aware of tax treatment. Profits obtained from crypto asset transactions are generally subject to comprehensive taxation as “miscellaneous income.”
Future Outlook for Pi Network
Pi Network holds the potential to become an important foundational technology for the Web3 era. As an ecosystem integrating decentralized finance, smart contracts, NFTs, and decentralized applications, it presents a new model for the digital economy.
For this vision to be fully realized, strengthening the technical infrastructure and continuous community support are essential. Adapting to the regulatory environments of various countries will also be an important challenge.
However, the most important aspect of Pi Network lies in its comprehensive approach. The vision of Dr. Nicolas Kokkalis and his founding team to build an entire decentralized digital economic system, rather than just a virtual currency, can be seen as an attempt to maximize the potential of blockchain technology.
Summary
Pi Network aims to build a comprehensive digital ecosystem that goes beyond a simple virtual currency project. In the transition from Web2 to Web3, this project plays an important role in realizing a decentralized economic system.
The founding team’s complex vision is to democratize blockchain technology and create a foundation for a digital economy accessible to everyone. Community support and the development of technical infrastructure will be key to realizing this vision.
As Pi Network grows into a fully functional ecosystem, we may witness new possibilities for a decentralized economy. This is not just a transformation of the currency system but holds the potential to be part of a larger social change: the redistribution of economic power in the digital world.