1. What Is Grass.io?
Grass.io is a decentralized Layer 2 network built on top of the Solana blockchain. It allows users to sell unused internet bandwidth by participating in web scraping tasks. These tasks involve gathering public web data, which is then processed and structured into datasets used for training artificial intelligence (AI) models.
The network makes use of a browser extension that operates in the background on users' devices. By leveraging idle internet connections, Grass.io collects data in a privacy-focused way while also helping to provide high-quality datasets for AI developers. This decentralized system offers a unique opportunity for node operators to earn passive rewards for contributing to AI data collection.
In December 2023, Grass.io completed a successful $3.5 million seed round led by prominent investors, including Polychain Capital and Tribe Capital. This brings its total funding to $4.5 million after a pre-seed round, signaling significant backing for its innovative approach.
2. Products
Grass.io uses a browser extension to scrape publicly available data from websites, transforming it into structured datasets for training AI models. Here’s a breakdown of how the process works:
2.1. Web Scraping
Grass.io nodes (operated by users) collect raw data from the web using their idle internet bandwidth. This data is typically unstructured and needs to be processed before it can be used for AI training.
2.2. AI Processing with Socrates
Grass.io utilizes an in-house tool developed by Wynd Labs called Socrates. This tool processes and converts raw data into a readable format, making it suitable for AI training.
2.3. Data Integrity and Transparency
Grass.io ensures the integrity of its data by implementing a Data Ledger and Zero Knowledge (ZK) Processor. These tools provide verifiable proof of the origin of data, ensuring that it remains accurate and unaltered. The ZK Processor traces the exact moment when a dataset comes into existence, providing a transparent and verifiable record of all collected data.
2.4. Decentralized Network
The system operates as a decentralized network, meaning that users share their bandwidth and contribute to a collective effort to gather data. This network is built on Solana, a high-speed blockchain, which enables fast and efficient transactions, ensuring that data collection and processing can be scaled effectively.
2.5. Privacy and Security
Grass.io places a strong emphasis on user privacy. The extension does not track or store any personal data such as browsing history or emails. Instead, it operates anonymously, using only your internet connection for the web scraping process. Additionally, external cybersecurity audits are conducted to ensure the software remains secure.
3. How to Earn Grass Points?
Grass Points are an incentive for users who participate in the Grass.io network by running nodes and sharing their unused internet bandwidth. These points can be earned as long as your device is connected to the internet and the Grass extension is running.
Step 1: Download the Grass.io Extension
To get started, follow these steps:
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Visit the official Grass.io website at https://www.getgrass.io/.
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Download the Grass extension for your browser (currently available for Google Chrome).
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After downloading, click on Add to Chrome. A pop-up will appear asking for confirmation to add the extension. Click on Add Extension.
Step 2: Register at Grass.io
Once the extension is installed:
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Click on the Grass icon in your browser toolbar.
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You’ll be prompted to log in or register. Create an account by entering your email, username, and password.
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You will need a referral code to sign up for Grass. Referral codes can be found on social platforms like Twitter (X). Simply enter the referral code when prompted during registration.
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Agree to the terms and conditions and complete the CAPTCHA to verify that you are a human.
Step 3: Earn Grass Points
Once registered:
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Click on Connect in the dashboard to link your device's internet connection to the Grass network.
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As long as your device is connected to the internet and the extension is active, you will automatically start earning Grass Points.
Step 4: Earn More Points Through Referrals
In addition to earning points directly from sharing your bandwidth, you can also increase your earnings through referrals. By inviting others to join Grass, you will earn a 20% bonus based on the Grass Points generated by their activity. This referral bonus will continue as long as the referred users remain active on the platform.
4. Grass Points Valuation
Grass Points are currently traded on Whales Market, a decentralized OTC exchange where users can buy, sell, and trade points, tokens, and airdrop allocations. As of now, the average ask price for Grass Points is approximately $0.00266 per point, with bid prices around $0.00258. However, the value of Grass Points is speculative at this stage, and the actual price may fluctuate once the platform officially launches its token and broader ecosystem.
5. Potential Airdrop and Rewards
While Grass.io has not officially announced the details of a native token, it has indicated that there will be rewards for users. These could include:
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Cryptocurrencies: Likely in the form of the Grass token or other cryptocurrencies.
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Gift Cards: A potential reward option for users.
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PayPal: Grass has mentioned that PayPal might be used for payouts as well.
As the platform continues to grow and develops its tokenomics, users who actively contribute to the network and earn Grass Points may qualify for a potential airdrop once the token is launched.
6. Conclusion
Grass.io presents a unique opportunity for individuals to participate in the rapidly growing AI and big data industries. By using a simple browser extension, users can earn passive rewards by contributing to the collection of web data, which is then used to train AI models. The project’s decentralized nature, transparency, and focus on privacy make it an attractive option for users looking to monetize their idle internet bandwidth.
With its growing user base and backing from prominent investors, Grass.io has the potential to be a major player in the world of AI data aggregation. By participating in the network and accumulating Grass Points, users not only earn passive rewards but may also become eligible for a future airdrop or token distribution once the platform fully launches its cryptocurrency.
To get started, simply download the Grass extension, register, and start earning points by running the extension in the background. Plus, don’t forget to refer friends to increase your earnings through the referral program!
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