What is ICP: Understanding the Internet Content Provider License in China

Internet Computer's Positioning and Significance

In 2021, DFINITY Foundation launched Internet Computer (ICP), aiming to solve the challenges of centralized cloud computing and create a decentralized alternative to the traditional internet infrastructure.

As a pioneering decentralized cloud blockchain, Internet Computer plays a crucial role in hosting secure and resilient applications, websites, and enterprise systems, while enabling trustless multi-chain interactions.

As of 2025, Internet Computer has become a significant player in the cryptocurrency market, ranking 42nd by market capitalization. It boasts an active developer community and innovative features like AI-powered app creation through chat interfaces.

Origins and Development History

Birth Background

Internet Computer was created by the DFINITY Foundation in 2021 to address the limitations of centralized cloud computing and traditional internet infrastructure. It emerged during a period of growing interest in blockchain technology and decentralized systems, aiming to provide a more secure, scalable, and user-centric alternative to existing web services.

Internet Computer's launch brought new possibilities for developers, businesses, and users seeking a truly decentralized and AI-enhanced computing platform.

Important Milestones

• 2021: Mainnet launch, introducing a novel decentralized cloud blockchain architecture.
• 2025: Significant adoption of AI-powered app creation features, enabling users to develop applications through chat interfaces.

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

How Does Internet Computer Work?

No Central Control

Internet Computer operates on a global network of decentralized computers (nodes), free from control by any single entity or government. These nodes collaborate to validate transactions and host applications, ensuring system transparency and attack resistance while empowering users with greater autonomy and enhancing network resilience.

Blockchain Core

Internet Computer's blockchain serves as a public, immutable digital ledger recording all transactions and smart contract interactions. Transactions are grouped into blocks and linked through cryptographic hashes, forming a secure chain. Anyone can view these records, establishing trust without intermediaries.

Ensuring Fairness

Internet Computer employs a unique consensus mechanism called Threshold Relay to validate transactions and maintain network security. Node providers contribute to network maintenance by running nodes and are rewarded with ICP tokens. This innovative approach offers high throughput and scalability.

Secure Transactions

Internet Computer uses public-key cryptography to secure transactions:

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

This mechanism ensures fund security while maintaining a level of pseudonymity for transactions. Additionally, Internet Computer incorporates advanced security features through its "canisters" - smart contracts that can host both frontend and backend components of decentralized applications.

Internet Computer (ICP) Market Performance

Circulation Overview

As of November 14, 2025, Internet Computer's circulating supply is 540,642,635.8497604 tokens, which is equal to its total supply. The maximum supply is infinite, indicating an inflationary model.

Price Volatility

Internet Computer reached its all-time high of $700.65 on May 11, 2021, likely driven by its initial launch and market enthusiasm.

Its lowest price was $2.23, occurring on October 11, 2025, possibly due to broader market conditions or specific project-related factors.

These fluctuations reflect market sentiment, adoption trends, and external factors.

Click to view the current ICP market price

On-Chain Metrics

• Daily Transaction Volume: $14,307,978.11936 (indicating network activity)
• Market Capitalization: $3,014,623,337.498264 (reflecting overall market valuation)
• 24-hour Trading Volume: $14,307,978.11936 (showing current trading interest)

Internet Computer (ICP) Ecosystem Applications and Partnerships

Core Use Cases

Internet Computer's ecosystem supports various applications:

• Decentralized Cloud: Applications like caffeine.ai and icp.ninja, providing AI-powered app creation and blockchain services.
• Web3 Infrastructure: Hosting secure and resilient apps, websites, and enterprise systems on a decentralized platform.

Strategic Collaborations

Internet Computer has established itself as a platform for trustless multi-chain interactions, enhancing 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 Hurdles: Scaling the decentralized cloud infrastructure
• Regulatory Risks: Potential scrutiny as a novel blockchain platform
• Competitive Pressure: Emergence of other blockchain platforms offering similar services

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 significant engagement on platforms like X. Posts and hashtags such as #InternetComputer and #ICP frequently trend, reflecting community interest. New features and AI capabilities have ignited community enthusiasm.

Social Media Sentiment

Sentiment on X shows a mix of opinions:

• Supporters praise Internet Computer's decentralized cloud capabilities and AI integration, viewing it as the "future of web infrastructure".
• Critics focus on price volatility and adoption challenges.

Recent trends indicate growing interest in ICP's technological advancements.

Hot Topics

X users actively discuss Internet Computer's AI capabilities, decentralized cloud features, and potential for reshaping internet infrastructure, highlighting both its transformative potential and the challenges it faces in mainstream adoption.

More Information Sources for Internet Computer

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

Internet Computer Future Roadmap

• Ecosystem Goal: Support a wide range of decentralized applications and services
• Long-term Vision: Become a leading decentralized cloud infrastructure and Web3 platform

How to Participate in Internet Computer?

1. Purchase Channels: Buy ICP on Gate.com
2. Storage Solutions: Use secure wallets recommended by the Internet Computer community
3. Participate in Governance: Engage in community decisions through the Internet Computer's governance mechanisms
4. Build on the Ecosystem: Visit Internet Computer Developer Docs to develop dApps or contribute code

Summary

Internet Computer is redefining blockchain technology by providing decentralized cloud infrastructure, AI capabilities, and secure application hosting. Its active community, rich resources, and strong technological foundation make it stand out in the cryptocurrency field. Despite facing challenges in adoption and competition, Internet Computer's innovative spirit and clear roadmap position it as a significant player in the future of decentralized technologies. Whether you're a newcomer or an experienced player, Internet Computer is worth watching and participating in.

FAQ

What is ICP in medical terms?

In medical terms, ICP stands for Intracranial Pressure, which refers to the pressure inside the skull and brain tissue.

What is ICP in business?

ICP in business refers to Internet Computer Protocol, a blockchain network designed for building and hosting decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts at web speed.

What are the symptoms of ICP?

ICP (Internet Computer Protocol) is a blockchain network, not a medical condition. It doesn't have symptoms. ICP aims to create a decentralized internet infrastructure.

What does ICP feel like?

ICP feels like a revolutionary force in Web3, offering blazing-fast transactions and seamless user experience. It's like the internet on steroids, with decentralized apps running at web speed.