Eric Harris-Braun is the co-founder of Holo.Host, Holochain, and the MetaCurrency Project, initiatives focused on decentralized computing and alternative economic frameworks. His background in computer science and experience in software development have contributed to projects involving peer-to-peer communication and distributed systems. ^{[1] [2] [4]}

Education

Eric Harris-Braun earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Yale University (1984-1989). His studies provided a foundation in computational systems and software development, which informed his later work in decentralized applications. ^{[1] [2] [7]}

Career

Harris-Braun began working on decentralized networking in 1993 with the establishment of Glass Bead Software, a company focused on cross-platform peer-to-peer communication tools. In 2003, he co-founded Harris-Braun Enterprises, LLC, a software development firm that developed data-collection systems for the healthcare industry, an Android application for catch monitoring in the fishing sector, and the Online Writing Workshop for Science-Fiction & Fantasy.

In 2009, he co-founded The MetaCurrency Project, an initiative aimed at exploring community-driven currency systems and decentralized economic models. The project examined how digital currency and distributed ledger technologies could be used beyond traditional financial systems.

In 2016, Harris-Braun co-founded Holochain, a framework for decentralized web applications that does not rely on conventional blockchain [consensus mechanisms](https://iq.wiki/wiki/list-of-consensus-mechanisms-in-blockchain). This led to the launch of Holo.Host in 2017, a decentralized hosting network built on Holochain. Holo enables users to share computing power for hosting applications, introducing HoloFuel as a unit of exchange based on hosting services.

Since 2024, Harris-Braun has served as the Executive Director of the Holochain Foundation, overseeing efforts to promote Holochain’s development and adoption in various sectors. ^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]}

Publications and Research

Harris-Braun authored the Internet Directory (Fawcett Columbine) in 1994, a reference guide for internet users prior to the widespread adoption of search engines.

His research and projects have covered topics such as:

• Distributed collaboration systems.
• Alternative economic models enabled by decentralized technologies.
• The role of technology in shaping digital and economic structures.

Eric Harris-Braun resides in rural New York, where he is part of a Quaker Intentional Community. He engages in gardening and lives in a straw-bale house, reflecting an interest in sustainable living practices. ^{[1] [2]}

Interviews

Eric Harris-Braun Channel

On November 23, 2024, Eric Harris-Braun released an interview on his YouTube channel, focusing on the role of Holochain in reshaping digital interactions and decentralized application (dApp) ecosystems. The discussion explored how technological shifts influence social structures and the way individuals engage with digital environments.

Key topics included the concept of aliveness in human activities, where music, sports, and work contribute to a sense of connection and vitality. Harris-Braun examined the impact of economic systems on societal structures, analyzing how monetary frameworks shape interactions and resource distribution. He also emphasized the evolution of internet protocols, noting how they influence online social behaviors and engagement.

A central theme of the discussion was Holochain as a protocol, advocating for decentralized, peer-to-peer interactions without reliance on intermediaries. He also addressed the importance of clear rules of engagement in decentralized networks to ensure accountability and trust. The conversation touched on usability challenges in adopting new systems, balancing simplicity with functional depth.

Harris-Braun highlighted decentralized social fabric, describing how collaborative technology fosters greater freedom and inclusion in digital spaces. He also proposed the development of a metagrammer, a framework to bridge diverse perspectives, making decentralized interactions more cohesive. ^[9]

Discussion on AI and Decentralization

On April 27, 2023, Eric Harris-Braun participated in an interview on the Holosapiens YouTube channel, discussing his perspectives on the societal impact of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly large language models. He highlighted concerns surrounding the ethical, technological, and structural challenges posed by AI advancements.

Key topics covered included the concept of Supremacy Consciousness, which he described as a framework influencing ethical considerations in AI development. He also discussed the potential vulnerabilities of the internet in the face of AI evolution, emphasizing the importance of building resilient systems to sustain digital communication and information access.

Harris-Braun advocated for land emancipation and non-ownership structures, seeing them as necessary steps toward equitable resource distribution and sustainable communities. Additionally, he introduced the idea of a metagrammer, a system designed to bridge diverse perspectives and facilitate shared understanding between different entities, including non-human intelligence.

Another focal point of the discussion was the merging of silicon and carbon substrates, reflecting on the philosophical and practical implications of human-AI interactions. Harris-Braun underscored the urgency of addressing AI-related challenges through generative questions, encouraging critical inquiry as a means to navigate the evolving landscape of AI and its societal consequences. ^[8]