Web 3.0: Is the Quest to Keep the Internet Decentralized Still Alive?

However, a global saturation of people brings several topics such as centralization and data privacy into consideration. In today's Web 2.0, prominent companies are profiting from the users' content and private information. 

Such disadvantages create dissatisfaction among users who already question these monetization techniques by larger companies. Web 3.0 aims to address such challenges with decentralization as its core principle. 

The Internet's Evolution

The worldwide web has grown dynamically since it was introduced in 1989 by Tim Berners. Web 1.0 became the first known internet era with many consumers and fewer content creators. During this time, developers would design websites that contain information displayed through images or texts.

Web 2.0 came years later as an interactive ecosystem where data circulates between the website owners and users. In this current web, individuals openly engage in sharing their thoughts via networking, blogging, and social media. 

Nonetheless, several shortcomings are making Web 2.0 unfavorable for the masses. In comparison, it may advocate for social interactions, issues such as data breaches, and security limits on Web 2.0's capabilities.

Web 3.0 and Decentralization

Web 3.0 represents an upcoming version of the internet that plans to revolutionize the worldwide web. Centralization n is an ecosystem that allows everyone to participate. Hence, there is no central authority in the blockchain. 

Web 3.0 intends to use a similar approach where users are the sole owners of their information. It, therefore, eliminates the exploitation of private data by large companies such as Facebook and Twitter. 

The proposed Web 3.0 structure also allows developers to build decentralized applications. In essence, decentralization uses a peer-to-peer network that hosts a global community. Therefore, Web 3.0 sites and applications will be distributed amongst various nodes instead of using centralized servers.

The distribution of websites and applications is advantageous to users in specific ways. This idea lowers the risks of hacks and other cyber-related attacks, as seen in the centralized system. Additionally, since it is a community-driven network, everyone can freely express themselves without censoring users' views. 

The application of decentralization further enhances the network with a tamper-proof ledger. Thus, all data will be stored in the blockchain to promote transparency and eliminate the risks of data manipulation. 

Platforms Taking Up Web 3.0

Several crypto-based platforms are onboarding the upcoming internet version. Some of the adopters include:

Polygon

First on the list is Polygon, an Ethereum scaling protocol that supports the development of decentralized applications. In December 2021, Polygon joined forces with Reddit's co-founder to raise $200M. 

The funds were meant to create gaming protocols and social media projects on the Web 3.0 internet. This initiative was sponsored by a venture capital firm known as Seven Seven Six. According to the VC, the fund targets to examine how users can virtually interact in the Web 3.0 world. 

The scaling protocol received additional funding worth $450M in February 2022 to enforce its Web 3.0 goals. 

Through the funds, Polygon will be able to construct Web 3.0 scaling solutions, including the Polygon PoS, Polygon Avail, and the Polygon Edge.

Decenternet

Decenternet functions as a Hong-Kong startup firm that applies an advanced Web 3.0 browser called Osiris. The platform's philosophy looks forward to combating the effects of centralizing and monetizing private data. 

Its native browser (Osiris) provides everyone with a modernized architecture that caters to dApps and blockchains. 

Some of the features found in Decenternet include a faster web surfing speed, VPN anonymity, and ad-blocker solutions. 

Terra

Terra is yet another blockchain that is gradually embracing the Web 3.0 solution. In April 2022, LongHash Ventures partnered with Terra to promote the development of Web 3.0 protocols.

As a Web 3.0 investor, LongHash Ventures believes that the next generation of platforms may emerge from adopting the decentralized internet.

Additional Features

Web 3.0 foresees the application of machine learning solutions such as AIs. Through Artificial Intelligence, the Internet's machines can easily interpret and customize data to fit users' preferences. In the long run, AIs could serve as the best source of receiving unbiased information. 

Constant connectivity is another feature found in the Web 3.0 internet. As a semantic website, machines can promptly react to complex requests made by humans. Users, therefore, get exposed to greater connectivity since the web machines will provide every information available. 

Web 3.0 hopes to use 3D features on all websites and decentralized applications in terms of design.

Conclusion

Web 3.0 is set to change how users interact on the internet today. The technology combines data privacy, transparency, and security into one ecosystem. Web 3.0 will enable everyone to control their data, unlike other corporations which own the users' information. 

Computer machines can also grasp and research any information that a user needs. Such conveniences encourage a significant adoption of the solution by prominent crypto startups. 

Web decentralization is therefore possible even as the technology space continues to evolve.