Conceptualized in 2014 by Gain Wood, the co-founder of the Ethereum blockchain, Web 3.0 is in full development. With the big trend around NFTs and cryptocurrencies, Web 3.0 has come back to the forefront of discussions. Criticized by some people, notably by Elon Musk who considers it too vague, Web 3.0 is still under debate. However, Web 3.0 is starting to take shape but still has a lot of proving to do. We make a point in this article of the progress of this concept.
Web 1.0: the beginnings of the internet (1990-2004)
It was in 1989 that Tim Berners-Lee created a new protocol called HTTP that allows to connect to a web page. An essential key to the development of the Internet. This is how the Web 1.0 was born.
The first websites were static read-only spaces. Web 1.0 is the access to information, there is no creation of content. This first version of the Web linked static pages together through hypertext links. One could only consult pages, send emails or download files.
This “static” Web will gradually give way to a “participative” Web with the arrival of Web 2.0.
Web 2.0: the development of social networks (2004-now)
It was in 2004 that the notion of Web 2.0 made its appearance with the creation of Facebook by Mark Zuckerberg. This was the birth of social networks, forums and personal blogs.
It is at this time that the giants of the Web such as GAFAM (Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, Microsoft) are born.
The first online communities developed as well as marketplaces.
Thus, there is an explosion of user-generated content. This web 2.0 has also developed well thanks to the arrival of smartphones that allow access to the internet anywhere. There is no need to be in front of a computer anymore. Dynamism and interoperability will then develop.
It is with the Web 2.0 that companies like Airbnb or Uber will be born.
Web 2.0 is also the implementation of the principle of centralization. To better understand, in the web 2.0 we find a server on which several computers are connected. These computers depend on this central server. If ever this central server encounters a problem, all the intermediaries will be affected. Today, users are not in control of the management of their personal data, which is in the hands of large technology companies. This centralization will bring several problems to the fore.
- The platforms own all the data (they collect and monetize this data to make money),
- The platforms control the users (banning, censorship…),
- Centralized systems are fragile (the risk of attack is higher).
Knowing all these problems, a new version called Web 3.0 is under development.
Web 3.0: towards decentralization
The invention of Bitcoin and Ethereum changed everything and showed us the power of blockchain technology. Blockchain and cryptocurrencies are therefore at the heart of this Web 3.0 revolution.
What is Web 3.0?
Web 3.0 is the third generation of internet services for websites and applications. The goal of this Web 3.0 is to create more intelligent sites that will therefore be more connected and open. The concept of Web 3.0 being very recent, the definition is not yet very clear and is established little by little. We are currently in the transition phase between Web 2.0 and Web 3.0.
What are the strengths of Web 3.0?
Web 3.0 takes advantage of multiple technologies: P2P, blockchain, free open source software, virtual reality and the Internet of Things.
The place of artificial intelligence (AI) will be at the center of this new version of the Web which will allow for automatic learning. AI will allow for better targeting and therefore provide more personalized, relevant and faster information. The goal is also to improve advertising by targeting an audience that is specific and based on consumer data. Companies will therefore be able to be much more relevant in what they offer and will be able to carry out marketing campaigns that will reach a more precise target.
The speed of browsing will also change. By using metadata, navigation will be much more efficient.
The concept of decentralization
The concept of decentralization is one of the major novelties of this Web 3.0. So we’re going to explain what this decentralization consists of.
As explained above, today Web 2.0 is based on the principle of centralization with intermediaries who are the large technology companies.
In this proposed decentralization, there is no central computer. All computers are interconnected and do not need intermediaries. In case of a problem, the network continues to function despite everything.
This decentralization based on blockchain aims to give power back to Internet users. Internet users will be able to take back the ownership of their personal data. There will be no more censorship on the Internet and it will be possible to exchange value from peer to peer without going through a central authority, without third parties and without bank accounts.
Moreover, from a security point of view, the data will be much more protected and the risks of hacking reduced.
Digital marketing agency, the expertise of Habefast
Our digital agency Habefast helps you optimize your campaigns and create or develop a digital strategy that fits perfectly with your overall marketing strategy. Our team of digital marketing experts, web designers and developers will be happy to help you create or develop your online presence to increase your visibility. We are ready to help and accompany you in this transition to Web 3.0.
In conclusion, Web 3.0 has a strong potential to solve the current problems we know with Web 2.0. The transition will be done gradually and in order not to discover new problems, it is necessary to do things right.
