$ICP Internet Computer Protocol is a cryptocurrency developed by the DFINITY Foundation that aims to extend the public internet to host smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps) at web speed. Launched in 2021, ICP is designed to reduce reliance on centralized cloud services by enabling developers to build directly on the blockchain. The protocol uses a novel chain-key cryptography system, allowing the network to scale efficiently. ICP tokens are used for governance, paying for computation, and rewarding participants. Its unique architecture sets it apart from other blockchains, with a vision to reinvent the internet as a decentralized global computer.