We knew Web 1.0 then Web 2.0, it is now the turn of Web 3.0 to make its appearance. It designates a decentralized version of the internet that is about blockchain and decentralization. While Web 2.0 has won us over with its dazzling progress, notably with the appearance of social networks and dynamic websites, Web 3.0 is also experiencing an unprecedented technological transition. Indeed, it will allow each Internet user to be able to manage and control their digital identities and personal data on their own, without centralization in data centers.
Freedom, transparency, security and verifiability are the key words of Web 3.0. However, how will this new technology be organized in practice? The development of Web 3.0 is still in the research and work phase. However, in 2022, we are already using features that will serve as the basis for this new technological era. This development will not be without risks, so some safeguards will have to be put in place so as not to cross the legal barrier.
The evolution of the web: from Web 1.0 to Web 3.0
For several decades, the Internet has been revolutionized. We went through different phases of progression. These developments have introduced us to new technologies such as cryptocurrency and blockchain. The Internet is an essential element in our society today. We have experienced Web 1.0 and Web 2.0, what should we expect from Web 3.0?
If Web 1.0 offered a static experience to users that did not allow them to create content-rich websites, Web 2.0 made it possible to achieve a certain level of quality on the web, at the cost, however, of centralization in data centers, often belonging to multinationals.
When we look at the history of the internet, the technological evolution towards a Semantic Web (or 3.0) makes sense. At first, the data was presented statically to users. Subsequently, users were able to dynamically interact with their data. Thanks to Web 3.0, they will see their user experience enriched thanks to algorithms that will provide them with more personalized Internet browsing. Internet users will benefit from more individual Internet access that will take into account their profile, their habits and their browsing, in the same way as streaming sites (Netflix, Prime Video, Youtube) which already rely on algorithms to enrich the user experience.
What is Web 3.0?
A new generation of the Internet, Web 3.0 is based primarily on artificial intelligence and blockchain technology by allowing users better control of their online data.
Web 3.0 will gradually allow us to control our information online. This new version of the Internet will make it possible to easily process user-generated content and offer more immersive modes of interaction. Thanks to Web 3.0, we will obtain personalized information more easily due to the use of artificial intelligence and all the advanced techniques.
By definition, the many functionalities of Web 3.0 will allow access to a certain level of technology. Internet users will not have any central point of control, they will obtain more precise data thanks to the analyzes of the algorithms and will therefore see their web browsing more efficient. Web 3.0 will be inspired by the user experience to improve the advertisements offered to Internet users. The chatbots present today on many commercial sites will be improved to offer a clearly superior experience to users.
Although Web 3.0 is still under development, it should be remembered that today we are already using the tools that will make up this semantic Web. Indeed, the virtual assistants Siri or even Alexa are assistants who already tick the boxes of Web 3.0 improvements. Indeed, their use depends on artificial intelligence through our habits and the profile that we define with these tools. The centralization of our connected objects is also one of the main features of Web 3.0. Already today, we can connect our heating or air conditioning system, our television, our multimedia devices or our electric shutters on the same device in order to control them intelligently and connected remotely.
Web 3.0: what about data protection?
A central subject at the heart of this technological evolution, data protection makes it possible to better envisage the future of the web. One of the main objectives of Web 3.0 is to allow users to regain control of their personal data by leveraging decentralized digital identity.
Web 3.0 is subject to a strict regulatory framework with the GDPR regulation (General Data Protection Regulation). Thanks to SSI (Self Sovereign Identity) technology, Internet users can control their digital identity without requiring the intervention of a third party.
The advantages of Web 3.0
The Semantic Web, or Web 3.0, offers a more intuitive use of the Internet. The wealth of content on the web will be reinforced and more instinctive. Thanks to artificial intelligence, the web will better understand our queries, our habits and our profile. Thus, it will offer us searches associated with our personality. Voice search will be improved to offer more precise and appropriate answers to our needs.
Another advantage, and not the least of Web 3.0, is the fact of having a single profile which will replace the multiplicity of accounts. More specifically, the user will be able to use his unique profile to access all of the platforms while remaining the owner of the information provided. Thus, Internet users will no longer need to create a profile for each platform to which they wish to connect, but will be able to use their unique profile.
These many advantages offered by Web 3.0 will be the result of major technological advances that will make our web browsing more enjoyable.
Decentralization
If the technological advances of Web 2.0 have been appreciated by Internet users, they have been implemented at the cost of centralization. Web 3.0 provides in its many developments a decentralization highly appreciated by its users. This evolution of the Internet makes it possible to host personal data with Internet users themselves. This is a real step forward since in the previous digital era, data was hosted in data centers learning from large multinationals.
Augmented identity (decentralized digital identity) allows users to have full control of their personal data and guarantee their security. Web 3.0 will make it possible to develop strong solutions for verifying customer identity, securing personal data and simplifying access to the various services.
Blockchain
Blockchain is one of the main innovations of Web 3.0. Blockchain refers to a set of various decentralized applications and data storage. Indeed, one of its strengths is to store and transmit information from a database shared at the same time with all users.
3D visualization
In terms of digital appearance, Web 3.0 promises real appreciable advances for Internet users. Reinforcing the appearance of the Internet will lead to 3D environments, virtual reality tools and better intuitive navigation. Concretely, meetings via video games will evolve towards 3D, the metaverse will be one of the essentials in this technological era.
What is the link between cryptocurrency and Web 3.0?
Built from the Blockchain, Web 3.0 is used to control the operation of applications but also for cryptocurrency. In the role of decentralization enabled by Web 3.0, digital assets will have an important role to play.
Indeed, cryptocurrencies could help forge a new Web 3.0 ecosystem. Thus, they would make it possible to obtain three important qualities of Web 3.0: decentralization, the absence of permits and the absence of trust. Cryptocurrency has a crucial role in the era of Web 3.0. It would indeed be likely to be intended for public services but also for open source.
Web 3.0 will allow significant improvements in the management of cryptocurrencies. Indeed, each user will be able to create a wallet over which he will obtain full control to carry out his transactions and act as a digital identity (this is already the case today, even if it remains quite hermetic for ordinary mortals). Owning data on a blockchain and performing decentralized transactions will provide new digital economies. Users will see an improvement in their access to financial services and will be able to exchange goods, services and content more simply.
Web 3.0: what could be the risks?
While Web 3.0 has many advantages in terms of technological advancement, it can nevertheless present risks. As previously announced, one of the pioneers of Web 3.0 is decentralization. This decentralization has flaws that could be hijacked by ill-intentioned individuals.
Without safeguards, Web 3.0 risks allowing the use of cryptocurrencies and the use of NFTs to be misused, which could lead to money laundering. Also, some data storage could escape the institutions and the application of the legislation: copyright, illegal content, counterfeiting, etc.
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