Web 3.0: The Evolution of Web

This article was published as a part of the Data Science Blogathon.

Introduction 

The third generation of the internet has now firmly taken hold in the modern retelling of Web history. Web 3.0 will usher in a new era of decentralized blockchain-based architectures as we transitioned from decentralized protocols (Web 1.0) to centralized, monopolistic platforms (Web 2.0).

With Web 3.0 as the prevailing narrative, the grasp of power will dissipate from a small number of powerful Web 2.0 firms and return power to the people.

In contrast to today, when tech giants dominate the platforms, in Web3, users will have ownership shares in platforms and applications.

Significance of Web 3.0

• The vast majority of designers and builders will use cutting-edge tools, integrate into autonomous organizations, and take part in this new economy.
• Decentralized Autonomous Organization is the guiding principle of Web 3. (DAO). Users will be able to govern their own data on a decentralized, fair internet thanks to Web3.
• This would get rid of the extortionate rents charged by the big platforms and get people away from the fundamentally faulty ad-based monetization of the user-generated data paradigm that has come to define the current digital economy.

Prerequisite for Developing Web 3.0 Architecture

• The current architecture, which has a front-end, intermediate layer, and back-end, will need to be modified for Web 3.0 from a technological standpoint.
• For processing blockchains, persisting and indexing data in blockchains, peer-to-peer interactions, and other tasks, will require backend solutions.
• In a similar vein, managing a backend with a blockchain will be required of the middle layer, also known as the business rules layer.

Evolution of the Web

https://tinyurl.com/2spkjfza

Web 1.0-World Wide Web Begins

In the early days of Web 1.0, most of the internet’s content consisted of static web pages that users would visit, read, and interact with. It describes the initial “iteration” of what subsequently developed into a platform with significant multi-functional applications. Information is moved from the website to the user on a read-only web. Social media, algorithms, and advertisements didn’t exist.

Web 2.0-The Social Web

There are a few factors to take into account when describing web 2.0. Internet programs that let users communicate, cooperate, and express themselves online are referred to by the phrase. It’s essentially a better version of the first global web, marked by the shift from static to dynamic or user-generated content, as well as the rise of social media.

Rich web applications, web-oriented architecture, and the social web are all part of the Web 2.0 paradigm. It refers to changes in the way web pages are designed and utilized by people, without any technical changes.

“Web 2.0 is the business revolution in the computer industry caused by the move to the internet as a platform, and any attempt to understand the rules for success on that new platform.”–     Tim O’Reilly.

Web 2.0 can be described in three parts:

• Rich Internet application (RIA): It specifies if the experience delivered from the desktop to the browser is “rich” in terms of graphics, usability/interactivity, or features.

• Web-oriented architecture (WOA): It specifies how Web 2.0 applications disclose their functionality so that other apps can use and integrate it, resulting in a significantly richer range of applications.

• Social Web: It describes how Web 2.0 websites tend to interact considerably more with end-users and make them a vital part of the website, whether by adding their profile, making comments on material, uploading new content, or providing user-generated content (e.g., personal digital photos).

Key Features of Web 2.0

• Folksonomy: Users can collaboratively classify and find information (e.g. “tagging” of webpages, images, videos, or links) using a free classification system.
• Rich User Experience: Dynamic content that responds to user input (for example, a user can “click” on a picture to enlarge it or learn more)
• User Participation: Through evaluation, review, and online commentary, information flows both ways between the site owner and site users. Users of the site frequently create user-generated content that is visible to others (e.g., Wikipedia, an online encyclopedia that anyone can write articles for or edit)
• Software as Service (SaaS): APIs were built by Web 2.0 sites to facilitate automated usage, such as by a Web “app” (software application).
• Mass Participation: With nearly universal web access, concerns are being differentiated beyond the conventional Internet user base (which tended to be hackers and computer enthusiasts) to a broader range of consumers.

Use Case Applications of Web 2.0

• Hosted Services (Google Maps)
• Web Applications (Google Docs)
• Video-Sharing Sites (YouTube)
• Wikis (Media wiki)
• Blogs (Word press)
• Interactive Social Networking/Media (Facebook)
• Micro Blogging (Twitter)

Pros of using the Web 2.0

• Information is available at any time and in any location.
• A wide range of media. (Images, Videos, Web Pages, Text/Pdf) It– Very user-friendly.
• Learners can actively participate in the creation of knowledge.
• Has the ability to form dynamic learning communities.
• Everyone is both the author and the editor, and every edit can be monitored.
• Simple to use.
• The wiki is updated in real-time, and it provides researchers with extra resources.
• It allows for real-time communication.

Cons of using Web 2.0

• People rely heavily on the internet to communicate.
• It is keyword driven.
• Failure to remove material that is no longer relevant.
• Many con artists and hackers.
• Intelligence is lacking.

Web 3.0-The Decentralised Web

Web 3.0 is the third generation of internet-based services or an intelligent web. The expression was created in 2006 by John Markoff. Although it is typically understood to be a reference to the semantic Web, he continued, “There is no easy consensus about what Web 3.0 means”.

The semantic Web, while not a more accurate term, refers to technology that improves Internet use by comprehending the meaning of what users are doing rather than merely the way pages link to each other.”

With significant developing technology trends like semantic web, data mining, machine learning, natural language processing, artificial intelligence, and other such technologies centered on information that is machine-assisted, Web 3.0 is expected to be more connected and smarter.

The web as a whole should be better designed to cater to a user’s interests and needs. Self-descriptions or similar strategies can be used by developers and authors individually or in partnership to ensure that the information produced by the new context-aware application is meaningful to the user.

Key Concepts in Web 3.0

• Decentralization: “To post anything on the web, no approval from a central authority is required; there is no central controlling node, and hence no single point of failure…and no ‘kill switch!” This also entails freedom from censorship and surveillance on an ad hoc basis.”
• Bottom-up design: “Rather than being written and controlled by a small group of experts, the code was created in full view of everyone, enabling maximum participation and experimentation.”

Key Features of Web 3.0

Even though Web 3.0 is not yet standardized, these characteristics define it:

• Decentralization: This is a fundamental principle of Web 3.0. In Web 2.0, computers search for information using HTTP in the form of unique web addresses, which are stored in a fixed location, usually on a single server. Because Web 3.0 allows information to be retrieved based on its content, it can be kept in several locations at the same time, making it decentralized. This would deconstruct the vast databases currently maintained by internet behemoths like Meta and Google, giving people more power. Users will retain ownership control of data generated by disparate and increasingly powerful computing resources, such as mobile phones, desktop computers, appliances, vehicles, and sensors, with Web 3.0, allowing users to sell data generated by their devices.
• Semantic Web: Let’s take a step back and define semantics first before creating the semantic web. The study of how words relate to one another is known as semantics. The semantic web is a technology that enables computers to interpret massive amounts of Web data, including text, grammar, transactions, and linkages between people.
• 3D Graphics: Compared to the straightforward, two-dimensional web, Web 3.0 will provide a more believable, three-dimensional cyberworld. Online gaming, as well as Web 3.0 websites and services like e-commerce, real estate, tourism, and other industries, will benefit from a new degree of immersion thanks to 3D visuals.
• Trustless and permissionless: Web 3.0 will be trustless (i.e., the network will allow members to engage directly without going via a trusted intermediary) and permissionless, in addition to being decentralized and built on open-source software (meaning that anyone can participate without authorization from a governing body). As a result, Web 3.0 applications will run on blockchains, decentralized peer-to-peer networks, or a combination of both, and will be referred to as dApps (decentralized apps).
• Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine
  learning: Through technologies based on Semantic Web ideas and natural language processing, machines will be able to understand the information in the same way that people do in Web 3.0. Machine learning will also be used in Web 3.0, which is a branch of artificial intelligence (AI) that combines data and algorithms to mimic how humans learn while continuously improving accuracy. These capabilities will allow computers to deliver faster and more relevant results in a variety of sectors, such as medical research and novel materials, as opposed to the current focus on targeted advertising.
• Connectivity and ubiquity: Information and content are increasingly accessible and omnipresent with Web 3.0, which can be accessed by many applications and a growing number of daily objects connected to the internet, such as the Internet of Things.

Use Case Applications of Web 3.0

• Social Networks: Social networks have a significant impact on how we live our lives and change the way we connect, communicate, and build communities. The new generation of social networks, however, is not without issues. They have internal agendas, are restrictive, and are censored. Governments of major companies may also utilize social networks to try and shape and control the opinions of their users. The functioning of the social network will be entirely altered by Web 3.0. Social media networks won’t be subject to any restrictions thanks to the implementation of blockchain. Regardless of geographic restrictions, anyone can join.
• Exchange Services: As they offer a flawless user trade experience without worrying about any hacks or transparency, decentralized exchanges are progressively gaining favor. This also implies that there is no central authority and no owner-side conflict of interest. To streamline their services, they primarily use a variety of decentralized finance tools. As we already know, Web 3.0 is all on decentralized exchange and trust.
• Messaging: Since the day we first started using the internet, messaging has been a part of our daily life. Well, for the majority of us, the choice is between Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp. One other type of messenger is Telegram, which is mostly used by businesses, startups, and other types of professional activity. On the other side, the government also frequently uses centralized systems to manage its network of intelligence to trace down signals.
• Storage: The storing of data involves a lot of ingenuity. However, Web 3.0 technologies like blockchain and big data can transform the way data is now stored. As common users, we store data online on Google Drive and other cloud storage services. For the businesses, it’s a whole different scenario because they prefer a more reliable and centralized system to keep their important data.
• Insurance and Banking: One of the most contaminated sectors of our society is the insurance and banking industry. For instance, is managed according to the profit-making mindset. The chains of negativity are also present in the banking industry. Overall, it is safe to state that the current system is flawed and that it must be made more open and secure if people are to prosper inside it. Blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize both the banking and insurance industries. This technology has a wide range of applications, and its effects are more apparent than initially anticipated. Transparency, security, and retractability are just a few of the blockchain capabilities that will be utilized in the transformation. This means that fraud in the banking or insurance industries will not be conceivable.
• Streaming (Video and Music): The streaming sector is significant. Additionally, it is predicted to expand more quickly in the next years. You are already familiar with the major players in our area as a user.
  Although they offer a fantastic customer experience, the idea of monopolies overall is bad for the industry in the long term. The existing streaming platforms are also plagued by other problems, such as ambiguous policies. Additionally, they use user data for advertising, violating the online users’ need for privacy. All streaming services are almost entirely free. In that instance, you turn into their product.
• Remote Job: Given that we prefer working from home over being in an office, it is rather fascinating to observe where we are headed. Whatever the causes, the centralized remote job platforms fall short of expectations. These issues can easily be solved by decentralized remote job/freelance networks.
• Browser: Using a web browser, we browse the Internet. We require a browser that adheres to the decentralized Web’s philosophical aspect in order to explore web 3.0. In terms of safeguarding users, the most recent browsers are also not entirely secure. Computers can become infected when users visit infected websites. If they are not sufficiently constructed in accordance with current security standards, browsers can also leak information. Your browser, for instance, keeps data on your location, hardware, software, connection, social media accounts, and more. The add-ons that these contemporary browsers provide make the users vulnerable as well. The answer is to utilize a decentralized browser that uses blockchain technology to create a better ecology.

Pros of using the Web 3.0

• Anti-monopoly and Pro-privacy: Web 3.0 will provide the internet with a pro-privacy and anti-monopoly framework. It won’t encourage the use of centralised platforms. In essence, a full paradigm shift will occur, with decentralisation and privacy as the main themes. The middleman won’t understand the value or need of such a platform.
• Secure Network: Web 3.0 features will be safer than those of its forerunners. Decentralization and distributed nature are two reasons that enable this. It will be challenging for hackers or exploiters to access the network. Each of their operations can be monitored and retracted within the network if they are able to do so. Without centralization, it will also be more difficult for hackers to seize total authority over a company.
• Data Ownership: Web 3.0 will be simple for users to trust. Big corporations have up to now stored and utilised user-generated data. End users will have complete data ownership with Web 3.0 features. The entire data that is transmitted across the network will be encrypted. Additionally, users will be able to choose which data they want to divulge to businesses or third-party advertising platforms. Contemporary fashion, however, is entirely different.
• Interoperability: It is a crucial component of Web 3.0. It will be simpler for applications to function across various platforms and devices, such as TVs, cellphones, smart roadways, and so on, with a decentralised network. The creation of Web 3.0 apps will be simple for developers.
• No Interruption in Service: Service interruptions are less likely to occur in distributed systems. It is challenging for attempts at distributed denial of service (DDoS) or other types of service breakdown to have an impact because there is no central entity for functioning. As a result, Web 3.0 is a fantastic platform for sharing data and essential services without having to worry about service disruption.
• Permissionless Blockchains: Blockchains without a requirement for a central authority are to be powered by Web 3.0. By creating an address, everyone can join the blockchain and take part. Access to individuals who are historically excluded owing to their gender, income, location, and other factors is made possible via permissionless blockchains. Although there are other blockchains with permissions.It implies that Web 3.0 won’t be subject to any limitations.
• Semantic Web: The semantic web’s features will be hosted by Web 3.0 as well. The previous set of Web 2.0 technologies have been replaced by the semantic Web. It makes it possible to transfer data across many platforms, systems, and community borders. It will serve as a link between various systems and data formats. We will be able to share and use the internet more than ever by utilising the semantic Web.
• Ubiquity: Interoperability leads to ubiquity. With Web 3.0, we no longer require a specific device to access data and information across many applications. As a result, you can access Web 3.0 without worrying about purchasing a specific gadget. You can access the Web if a gadget has the bare minimum of internet connectivity and capability.

Cons of using the Web 3.0

• Ownership concerns: With internet providers under government control, the internet will still not be decentralized.
• Existing website owners will be compelled to upgrade: With the change in the cost model, some services may no longer be free.
• Tough to regulate: Newcomers may struggle to understand Web3.0
• Surfing Web 3.0 will require better processors: Web 2.0 will appear outdated with Web 1.0 being obsolete. Devices that aren’t advanced won’t be able to handle it.
• Easier access to one’s personal and public data: Without privacy policies, it will be easy to gain access to someone’s private and confidential user information.

Comparison between Web 2.0 and Web 3.0

https://tinyurl.com/4acmbsc5

Future for Web 3.0

Web 3.0 is still in the process of being defined. As a result, there are many unknowns regarding what Web 3.0 will eventually look like.

The IPv4 address class, which has a limited amount of web addresses, is used by both Web 1.0 and Web 2.0. In the Web 3.0 era, IPv6 offers a bigger address space, allowing more devices to have their public IP addresses.

Web 3.0’s focus on decentralization, automation, and intelligence will likely continue to be the foundation for what comes next as it evolves and is defined.

Conclusion

This article explores various segments about the transition from Web 2.0 to Web 3.0 in the real world, including the evolution, features, differences, examples, advantages, and limitations.

As a last thought, I’d want to leave everyone with another example that started this learning journey. According to an analogy from the movie industry, if Web 1.0 represented black-and-white movies, Web 2.0 would be the age of color/basic 3D, while Web 3.0 represents immersive experiences in the metaverse. In the same way that Web 2.0 dominated the global business and cultural landscape in the 2010s, it seems that Web 3.0 will now take the lead in the 2020s. Facebook changing its name to Meta on Oct. 28, 2021, could prove to be an early sign that Web 3.0 is gaining traction.

The comparison of Web 2.0 and Web 3.0 shows how it presents better advantages than Web 2.0. Web 3.0 presents a promising infrastructure for the interaction of humans and machines.

The most significant aspect of Web 3.0 is that it improves security, trust, and privacy. Many people refer to Web 3.0 as the “decentralized web,” because it will rely heavily on decentralized protocols. Web 2.0, on the other hand, is still the foundation for many of the web apps we use today. Is it possible that Web 3.0 will transform the popular programs you use today? Learn about Web 3.0 and make your conclusions.

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vijay

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