What is Web3 and why is it important?

​If you have found yourself on tech news sites or forums, reading about the rise (and fall) of cryptocurrency and ongoing conversations about the safety and security in the future of blockchain technology, you no doubt would have seen reference to Web3 and its importance in the digital revolution. But if you’ve also found yourself wondering exactly what Web3 IS and how it fits into the techsphere, then you’re in the right place. We’re going to look at what Web3 is, and what it means for the future of the internet.

Definition of Web3

At its simplest, Web3 refers to the next generation of the internet where blockchain technology and decentralisation are key. Web3 allows for more secure, private, and open transactions on the internet without the need for an intermediary (like a bank or social media platform). The promise of Web3 is being able to interact and transact directly with anyone in the world but still hold complete control over your data.

For clarity, Web 1.0 was the ‘read only’ internet that many of us were introduced to in the 1990s through to 2000 and was made up of static pages connected to a system via hyperlinks. It was designed to help people find information, and that is about it.

Web 2.0 from 2000-2010 is known as the 'social web' and focused on participation and contribution. Incorporating web browser technologies like JavaScript allowed for more dynamic content that responded to user input. It also introduced us to social media, social networking, podcasts, commenting, curating with RSS, blogging, and many of the other web-based activities that we now consume or perform daily.

Web3 is the next step. The next huge revolution in the web ecosystem.

The technologies behind Web3

At the heart of Web3 are several key technologies, including blockchain, IPFS (InterPlanetary File System), decentralised apps (DApps),and decentralised identifiers (DIDs). Each of these technologies brings its own unique set of advantages to the table, but what they all have in common is the ability to create a more connected, permissionless, and privacy-focused internet experience. 

Benefits of Web3 for business

If technology is changing, businesses need to adapt quicker than their competitors. Web3 promises a decentralised framework that will revolutionise the way companies do business. Using blockchain technology and smart contracts, Web3 offers improved security, increased efficiency, and greater transparency, enabling businesses to interact with clients and other businesses on an entirely new level. Web3 has the potential to be a game-changer in all aspects of business from supply chain management to financial transactions, and businesses looking to future-proof their operations will be embracing the innovative technology.

What will Web3 be used for

The possible uses for Web3 are exciting and endless. One big potential use for Web3 is the creation of a decentralised social media platform. Unlike the current social media platforms that are so popular worldwide, these decentralised platforms would be owned and operated by the users rather than a corporation, giving users greater control over privacy and data ownership which have been consistent topics of contention over the past decade.

Using blockchain technology, Web3 can also be used to create a decentralised marketplace where business can buy and sell goods and services to consumers and other businesses directly, without the need for intermediaries or third parties. The potential for Web3 to create new economic models and disrupt the traditional industry operations is great, and businesses and consumers alike need to be ready for the change.

Potential Web3 problems

Technological advances continue to shake up our lives, and Web3, like all other new technologies, has a myriad of potential barriers that could prevent its widespread adoption. The biggest barrier of which being the lack of awareness and understanding of Web3 and the technologies behind it. With many individuals and businesses being hesitant to embrace a newer side of web-based transaction and business relations that they don’t fully understand and human nature’s desire to stick with things that work, Web3 may be slower to reach its full potential and transformative impact than previous web versions. Another potential concern is problems of inter-operationability between different blockchains and how these can be overcome to ensure seamless exchanges of data and transaction.

By now you should have a better understanding of what Web3 is, or has the potential to be, and how it relates to the current web-based services we all know and use. While it may be new to us, many developers are already working hard to make it easier for Web3 user to interact safely and securely within a decentralised world. However, as with any new technology there are some potential barriers to full adoption such as lack of talent, lack of understanding, existing capital investments in existing technologies, and regulatory issues which could slow or prevent timely adoption. Despite these challenges, the advantages that Web3 offers in terms of security, privacy, and automation are enough to create an incredibly compelling case for further research and interest by individuals and businesses alike. Ultimately, with continued development,Web3 stands to be at the forefront of digital transformation for the economy as we know it.

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