The internet, as we know it, has been constantly evolving. From the static pages of Web 1.0 to the interactive platforms of Web 2.0, we are now on the brink of a new era – Web 3.0. This article aims to shed light on this new phase of the internet, its features, and potential impact.
Internet Evolution before Web 3.0
Web 1.0: Read-Only (1990-2004)
The first inception of the World Wide Web, known as ‘Web 1.0’, occurred roughly between 1990 to 2004. Invented by Tim Berners-Lee at CERN, Geneva, Web 1.0 was mainly static websites owned by companies, with close to zero interaction between users. This era was known as the read-only web.
Web 2.0: Read-Write (2004-now)
The Web 2.0 period began in 2004 with the emergence of social media platforms. The web evolved to be read-write, with companies providing platforms for user-generated content and user-to-user interactions. However, a handful of top companies began to control a disproportionate amount of the traffic and value generated on the web. While users could create content, they didn’t own it or benefit from its monetization.
Web 3.0: Read-Write-Own
The premise of ‘Web 3.0’ was coined by Ethereum co-founder Gavin Wood shortly after Ethereum launched in 2014. Web3 has become a catch-all term for the vision of a new, better internet. At its core, Web3 uses blockchains, cryptocurrencies, and NFTs to give power back to the users in the form of ownership.
Decentralization
Decentralization is the core idea of Web 3.0. In Web 2.0, computers use HTTP in the form of unique web addresses to find information stored in a fixed location, usually a single server. Web 3.0 finds information based on its content, so it can be stored and distributed in multiple places at the same time. This would collapse the massive databases currently maintained by internet giants such as Meta and Google, giving users more control.
Trustless and Permissionless
Web 3.0 is trustless (meaning a network in which participants can interact directly without a trusted intermediary) and permissionless (meaning anyone can join without permission). As a result, Web 3.0 applications run on blockchains or decentralized peer-to-peer networks.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
Web 3.0 will also use machine learning, a branch of artificial intelligence (AI) that uses data and algorithms to mimic human learning and incrementally improve its accuracy.
Real-world examples of Web 3.0 applications (selected few)
Sapien: A decentralized social news platform.
LBRY: A decentralized digital library.
Storj: A decentralized cloud storage platform.
Secretum: An anonymous messaging app.
Decentraland: A decentralized virtual reality platform.
Sola: A decentralized social networking platform.
DTube: A decentralized video platform.
Brave Browser: A web browser that blocks ads and website trackers.
Ethlance: A decentralized marketplace for freelancers.
Everledger: A platform that uses blockchain to track the provenance of high-value items.
Apple Siri: Comprehends voice search and brings useful results.
Bitcoin: A decentralized cryptocurrency.
Diaspora: A decentralized social network.
Steemit: A blogging and social site built on blockchain.
These apps are using the ideas of Web 3.0 like decentralized control, using blockchain technologies, and token-based economics to make a more open, safe, and user-friendly web experience. They are making a path for the next version of the internet, where users have more power over their data and can interact in a trustless and permissionless environment. This means users don’t need to trust or get permission from any central authority. They can interact directly with each other. It’s all about giving power back to the users.
The Future of the Internet
Web 3.0 is all about making a system decentralized where no single entity has control. It uses new technologies like AI, machine learning, and blockchain to fix issues in today’s internet. It’s a vision of a web that is spread out and open, with more benefits for its users.
In conclusion, Web 3.0 is the projected third wave of the internet, wherein websites and apps can manage data in a human-like way utilizing, among other technologies, ML, big data, and decentralized ledger technology (DLT). As we are just about to step into this new age, it’s thrilling to think about all the new things that Web 3.0 could bring.
Source:
(1) What is Web3 and why is it important? | ethereum.org. https://ethereum.org/en/web3.
(2) Web 3.0 and its Features – GeeksforGeeks. https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/web-3-0-and-its-features/.
(3) Web 3.0 Explained, Plus the History of Web 1.0 and 2.0 – Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/web-20-web-30-5208698.
(4) What is Web 3.0? Meaning, Features, and Benefits. https://www.spiceworks.com/tech/tech-general/articles/what-is-web-three/.
(5) Web3 – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web3.
