> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://web3-encyclopedia.gitbook.io/web3-encyclopedia/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://web3-encyclopedia.gitbook.io/web3-encyclopedia/ethereum/what-can-ethereum-do.md).

# What can Ethereum do?

![🏦](https://twemoji.maxcdn.com/2/svg/1f3e6.svg)

#### Banking for everyone

Not everyone has access to financial services. But all you need to access Ethereum and its lending, borrowing and savings products is an internet connection.

![🕵](https://twemoji.maxcdn.com/2/svg/1f575.svg)

#### A more private internet

You don't need to provide all your personal details to use an Ethereum app. Ethereum is building an economy based on value, not surveillance.

![👥](https://twemoji.maxcdn.com/2/svg/1f465.svg)

#### A peer-to-peer network

Ethereum allows you to move money, or make agreements, directly with someone else. You don't need to go through intermediary companies.

![🛡️](https://twemoji.maxcdn.com/2/svg/1f6e1.svg)

#### Censorship-resistant

No government or company has control over Ethereum. This decentralization makes it nearly impossible for anyone to stop you from receiving payments or using services on Ethereum.

![🛍️](https://twemoji.maxcdn.com/2/svg/1f6cd.svg)

#### Commerce guarantees

Customers have a secure, built-in guarantee that funds will only change hands if you provide what was agreed. Likewise, developers can have certainty that the rules won't change on them.

![🤝](https://twemoji.maxcdn.com/2/svg/1f91d.svg)

#### All products are composable

Since all apps are built on the same blockchain with a shared global state, they can build off each other (like legos). This allows for better products and experiences being built all the time.

## Who is using Ethereum?

![](/files/9UtTbcUwNt1aOmpQptkL)


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://web3-encyclopedia.gitbook.io/web3-encyclopedia/ethereum/what-can-ethereum-do.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.