Debate Ignited as Google Cloud Launches Web3 Portal

Google Cloud has unveiled a Web3 platform that offers resources for blockchain developers, including educational materials and datasets on the creation of non-fungible tokens (NFTs). The response from the cryptocurrency industry has been mixed. Some individuals have criticized the lack of support for Bitcoin and Lightning Network, considering it an oversight from Google. Others, Have praised the launch, referring to the Web3 portal as a comprehensive resource.

The Web3 portal provides developers with access to various products and the opportunity to receive testnet tokens for deploying and testing their decentralized applications (DApps) on Ethereum testnets such as Sepolia and Holesky. The platform offers a learning program with tutorials on NFT development, Web3 loyalty programs implementation, and securing digital assets using multi-party computation (MPC).

This announcement follows a series of recent developments by Google in the Web3 industry. One of these updates enables users to search wallet balances across multiple blockchains, including Bitcoin, Arbitrum, Avalanche, Optimism, Polygon, and Fantom. Google updated its advertising policies earlier this year to allow certain crypto products, such as Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), to be promoted on major search engines.

Google has been actively establishing partnerships in preparation for the Web3 portal launch. In October 2023, Google Cloud integrated its BigQuery data warehouse with MultiversX, enhancing the ability of Web3 projects and users to derive insights from data analytics and artificial intelligence tools within the Google Cloud ecosystem. Google’s BigQuery added 11 blockchain networks, including Avalanche, Arbitrum, Cronos, Fantom, and Tron, to its data warehouse in September 2023.

Despite the mixed reception within the cryptocurrency industry, Google Cloud’s Web3 portal offers valuable resources for blockchain developers. With its range of products, educational materials, and testnet tokens, developers have the tools to create and test DApps on Ethereum testnets. Google’s recent updates and partnerships show its commitment to the Web3 industry and its willingness to support the growth and development of blockchain technology.