Introduction
The World Wide Web has four phases: Web 1.0, Web 2.0, Web 3.0, and Web3.
1. Web 1.0
The first web phase, focused on static pages in a network of linked information.
2. Web 2.0
Allowed users to create, upload, and share content online, supported by new technologies like JavaScript and CSS, making interactions richer. However, platforms began collecting as much user data as possible to increase profits, often without users knowing how their data was used.
3. Web 3.0
Introduces a smarter, decentralized web where machines can better understand human language. This phase supports powerful applications, aiming to create a flexible and measurable web system.
4. Web3
Focuses on decentralization through blockchain technology, unlike Web 3.0, which may not need blockchain. It’s a broad, borderless concept enabling large-scale web applications with decentralized architecture.
Technical Implementation
Web 3.0 focuses on decentralization, privacy, human-centered design, and smarter services by improving machine understanding of human behavior.
1. Semantic Web
The semantic web, a precursor to Web 3.0, seeks to unify all data online, addressing challenges like data sharing, integration, and reuse. It uses the Resource Description Framework (RDF), a model that organizes data through Subject, Predicate, and Object, linking resources (e.g., links and data) in a neutral format. RDF enables seamless data exchange between web applications, supporting automated processing across networks. To enhance machine understanding of web content, the Web Ontology Language (OWL) was introduced. OWL enables Web 3.0 applications to make resources more accessible for automation by adding descriptive metadata.
2. Artificial Intelligence
AI enhances the user experience by helping machines in realizing the “perception-decision-behavior feedback” closed-loop workflow. There are still many decentralized storage projects out there. IPFS introduces the BitSwap protocol to reward users for providing resource storage and download services, thus ensuring the possibility of users benefiting from data. Existing projects like Filecoin and ARweave are based on IPFS, which can be considered the incentive layer of IPFS.
3. Blockchain Technology
Emerging between the 1980s and 2008, blockchain technology powers Web3 innovations including semantic and knowledge-based blockchain. For developers building dApps and smart contracts on the well-known blockchain Ethereum, the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) provides security. Big digital monopolies are being challenged and decentralization is being promoted by new blockchain technologies including token systems, identification systems, and decentralized organizations (DAOs).
4. Decentralized Storage
Before starting this subsection, we must point out that decentralized storage is not a necessary part of Web 3.0 architecture, but decentralization will be more secure and reliable than centralization. In Web 2.0, users’ data is controlled by platforms, while users only access the services. This setup creates “data islands” between platforms, leading to issues like data migration and synchronization. As users gain control over their data, reducing storage costs and creating fair benefit distribution become urgent issues. To enable decentralized data storage, researchers have proposed several solutions.
i. IPFS
One peer-to-peer file system that could eventually take the role of HTTP is called IPFS (Interplanetary File System). It divides files into blobs, which are then stored in a distributed hash table and arranged in a tree-like manner. Each blob has a unique hash for identification. IPFS includes version control like Git and a naming service that connects URLs to hashes. Its BitSwap protocol prevents freeloaders and rewards users for sharing storage.
ii. CephFS
The open-source, distributed file system CephFS is renowned for its dependability, scalability, and excellent performance. Object storage devices (OSDs) and metadata are managed by Reliable Autonomic Distributed Object Store (RADOS) clusters. CephFS dynamically balances data across the cluster without relying on a single control point, ensuring decentralization and scalability.
Other decentralized storage projects, like OpenStack Object Storage (Swift), use consistent hashing for even data distribution and have high availability through an event-driven consistency model. Unlike early decentralized storage, these modern systems allow users to actively participate in data storage and offer rewards, as seen in projects like Filecoin and ARweave.
5. Edge Computing
In the Web 3.0 era, intelligent life, content services, and device perception will generate massive amounts of data every day, further intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic, which contributed to a total data volume of 59 zettabytes (ZB) in 2020. This overload presents challenges for cloud computing, as much of the generated data is not particularly valuable. To address this, edge computing allows local data processing, improving efficiency by reducing reliance on cloud servers.
In the Web 2.0 era, mobile operating systems like iOS and Android transformed internet interaction but also led to the dominance of major companies like Facebook and Google, raising concerns about data privacy and ownership.
Web 3.0 aims to decentralize applications through blockchain technology, challenging monopolistic practices and fostering new business models. Apps like Status prioritize user privacy by enabling secure messaging without third-party control. Steemit rewards users for content, giving them more control over their data, while EOS facilitates the creation of decentralized applications accessible via any browser.
Tim Berners-Lee’s Social Linked Data protocol and Personal Online Data Store (POD) allow users to store their data securely, enabling them to manage access without third-party interference. Web 3.0 focus attention on user-friendly applications and high data availability, making technology interactions more intuitive and accessible.
The benefits and revolution of Web 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0
1. Application and Business
- The early days of the internet, known as Web 1.0, were focused on sharing information online, replacing traditional ways of transmitting knowledge. Companies like Yahoo, Google, Sina, and Baidu led this era. Web 1.0 content was mainly host-generated, where users could only consume what websites offered. There were two key product types:
- Web Portals: Sites like Yahoo and Sina digitized human knowledge to earn revenue through user clicks.
- Search Engines: Google and Baidu provided ways for users to search for information but did not actively share content. These acted like digital libraries, organizing vast information automatically.
- With the rapid growth of smartphones and operating systems like iOS and Android, Web 2.0 also made the internet an important component of life. Web 2.0 admits users to create and share content easily. Platforms like Twitter and WeChat enabled people to create and share their own content. Users and platforms both started benefiting financially. WeChat revolutionized communication with features like group chats and video calls. On the other hand, Twitter became a hub for microblogging and information sharing.
- In order to limit the control of companies like Google and Facebook by decentralizing the internet. Web 3.0 provides users with ownership of their data and protect their privacy through blockchain technology.
- Steemit: A blockchain-based social networking site that gives users Bitcoin in exchange for their efforts.
- Status: A safe chat program that shields user data from prying eyes.
To improve user security and trust, Web 3.0 also prioritizes decentralized control, peer-to-peer communication, and open-source software.
2. Culture and Artwork
Web 3.0 promotes greater transparency and collaboration in cultural production. Creators can engage in co-creation, and since every contribution is recorded, benefits can be fairly distributed without relying on intermediaries.
Digital tools also help preserve cultural heritage by converting it into digital formats, allowing better protection and engagement. This technology connects cultural information to specific time and space, revitalizing interest and participation.
3. User Experience
Web 3.0 provides better compatibility, control, and availability:
i. Compatibility
APIs allow seamless interaction across platforms, addressing the data silo issues from Web 2.0. Users can carry data, like digital wallets, across multiple platforms without restriction.
ii. Permissionless Access
Users control their own data, deciding what to share and with whom, reducing dependence on platforms or governments. Technologies like Social Linked Data support this model.
iii. High Availability
Because Web 3.0 networks are highly fault-tolerant, data can be accessed even under challenging circumstances. Additionally, it enhances interaction with technology by improving usability through novel input techniques like voice commands or gestures.
4. Metaverse
Web 3.0-enabled virtual and real-world environments combine to form the Metaverse. It will impact key areas like:
- Education: Virtual environments provide immersive learning experiences.
- Entertainment: Activities like gaming and virtual concerts break the boundaries of time and space.
- Privacy and Security: Decentralized identity systems protect users from identity theft and cybercrimes.
5. AI-Generated Content (AIGC)
AIGC helps with tasks like programming, translation, and digital art, enhancing productivity. Though concerns exist about ethics and job loss, AI can complement human creativity by automating repetitive tasks and improving efficiency.
In Web 3.0, AI will empower users with new tools to create and protect content. Open APIs and decentralized systems will prevent monopolies from controlling the internet, ensuring that creators retain ownership of their work. AI will also support digital humans with better interaction abilities, enriching virtual experiences.
Blockchain concepts with web 3.0
https://truthreado.com/blockchain-security-privacy/
Web 3.0 applications
https://dreamfarmagency.com/blog/examples-of-web-3/
conclusion
Web 3.0 the next phase of the Internet is an implementation of much more user control and decentralization. Web 3.0 tries to address real long-standing issues such as data ownership, privacy, and overpricing through the use of cutting-edge technologies at the end of the day making the online world smarter and more user-centric. As the age of this new era grows, it can redesign online interrelations through offering consumers as well as firms greater independence, safety, and speed.
