Linked Web Storage: Taking Back Control of Your Data
Imagine a web where you decide where your data is stored and who can access it. That's the future the W3C Linked Web Storage Working Group is building.
What is Linked Web Storage?
Linked Web Storage is a new approach to how data is handled on the web. It aims to give you more control over your personal information by allowing you to choose where your data is stored and who can access it.
The W3C is actively developing the LWS Protocol specification, which defines standard interactions for secure and permissioned access to externally stored data. This protocol includes authentication, authorization, and resource management capabilities that enable true user-controlled data storage on the web.
Historical Note: LWS builds on the Solid Project, which has been incubated by the W3C Solid Community Group since 2018. The Linked Web Storage Working Group was formed in 2024 to bring these specifications to official W3C Recommendation status.
Why Does This Matter?
Currently, when you use most web services, your data is stored and controlled by the service provider. This can limit your ability to switch between services or control who has access to your information. Linked Web Storage aims to change that, giving you more freedom and control.
What Will This Enable?
- ✓ Choose where your personal data is stored
- ✓ Control which applications can access your information
- ✓ Transfer your data between services without vendor lock-in
- ✓ Enhanced privacy and security for personal information
- ✓ Keep ownership of your data across the web
Current Progress & Timeline
Latest Update: November 2025
The W3C has published the Linked Web Storage Use Cases document as a Group Draft Note, defining 39 core requirements across data management, access control, collaboration, and security.
The LWS Protocol 1.0 specification now includes four authentication suites supporting OpenID Connect, SAML 2.0, and decentralized identifiers (did:key).
The W3C Linked Web Storage Working Group is working on this from September 2024 to September 2026. With the protocol specification now in active development, we're seeing concrete progress toward a more user-centric web. While it may take some time before these changes are widely adopted, this work is laying the foundation for true data ownership and control.
For Developers
Ready to build with Linked Web Storage? Here are the key technical resources to get started:
LWS Protocol 1.0 Core
Core specification for REST servers and clients
Use Cases & Requirements
39 requirements across data, access control, and security
Protocol Repository
Contribute to development, file issues, track progress
Join the Working Group
Participate in weekly meetings and spec development
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between LWS and Solid? ▼
When will LWS be ready for production use? ▼
How can I contribute to LWS development? ▼
Is this an official W3C website? ▼
Related Resources
Official W3C Documents
- • LWS Protocol 1.0 Specification (Editor's Draft) - Core protocol for resource access, authentication, and operations
- • Linked Web Storage Use Cases (W3C Draft Note) - User stories, use cases, and 39 identified requirements
- • Working Group Charter - Official charter defining the group's mission and scope
GitHub Repositories
- • w3c/lws-protocol - Protocol specification development
- • w3c/lws-ucs - Use cases and requirements
Related Projects
- • Solid Project - The community project that originated these specifications
- • This website's repository - Contribute to this informational site