Difference between Web3 and Web 3.0?

Today, the Internet is an unparalleled entity that allows billions of people to learn and connect with others. The Internet has gone through two major phases and we are moving into the third.

The terms describing the first two phases of the Internet are undisputed (Web 1.0 and Web 2.0). But now, as we begin the next phase, you may be wondering what the proper term is. Is it Web3 or Web 3.0? To find out, first review the history of the Internet.

A Brief History of the Internet

Web 1.0 usually refers to the World Wide Web, invented by Sir Tim Berners-Lee.

1. It's simple, focusing on basic connectivity, web linking, and basic web design.
2. Websites are media or one-way with limited donation options.
3. Users can send text emails without the option to attach images, although other attachments are available through MIME.
4. Search engines already exist, but search results are less precise and less relevant.
5. People need desktop computers and laptops to access the Internet.

In general, the Internet is a read-only online platform.

During the transition around 2004, Web 2.0 emerged as the second phase of the Internet, moving from a static one-way communication medium to a dynamic and participatory online environment. Some of its features in this phase include:

1. Personalized web experiences were introduced to tailor content based on user preferences.
2. Blogs, social networks, and video sharing sites have democratized content creation.
3. Social networking platforms allow people to connect, discuss and share their experiences.
4. The widespread availability of high-speed Internet connections and innovations in multimedia allow users to share rich experiences.
5. E-commerce empowers businesses to provide customers with an online shopping experience.

Web 2.0 makes the Internet indispensable for billions of people. However, it's not perfect. Its shortcomings spurred the innovations that led to the next phase of the Internet.

Web 3.0

Web 3.0 is a concept that fits the ideas proposed by Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web, for the next generation of the web. It's a smarter and more connected online ecosystem where all your data is stored in one place and you have full control over who can access it.

Also known as the "Semantic Web", this is a version of the Internet that applies W3C (World Wide Web Consortium) standards to allow it to process information with human-like intelligence. It is ready to make it possible for users to connect all their online information through a link between different platforms.

In Web 3.0, data is stored in Solid Pods, which are personalized data repositories for users that allow seamless access, updating, or sharing of information (although this is not the only method for storing data; it is just the method Berners-Lee envisioned). Users need a WebID (similar to a cryptocurrency address) to identify and authorize data access.

Web 3.0 is what Tim Berners-Lee envisions as the next generation of the Internet. Fortunately, his prediction is not far from what the Internet is currently transforming into; Web3.

What is Web3?

Web3 was created in 2014 by Gavin Wood, the co-founder of Ethereum, to represent his vision for a better, decentralized, and more democratic version of the Internet. It's a retaliation to the current state of affairs, where some tech companies heavily influence Internet usage and infrastructure.

Unlike current online reality, Web3 introduces a peer-to-peer system that relies more on user contributions to the network and infrastructure, thus eliminating any monopolistic influence of one party.

The backbone of Web3 is Blockchain technology, the main technology behind cryptocurrencies. Blockchain allows for decentralization, ensuring participants contribute to the network without the interference of dominant players.

Difference between Web3 and Web 3.0? Picture 1

Another important concept is trust. Currently, we trust corporations to be transparent with our data (even though it's not). Web3 aims to move the Internet to a "trustless" model where we depend on Blockchain-based algorithms instead of corporations. Therefore, we will not be forced to trust a company, but rather the technology itself.

All in all, Web3 development could pave the way for an online ecosystem where power is distributed more equitably among people, making it more transparent.

What is the difference between Web3and Web 3.0

Before exploring the differences between Web3 and Web 3.0, it's worth noting that both technologies have a common mission: Create a better version of the Internet than the one we currently use. Both concepts see the fundamental concerns of Web 2.0 and want an improved version that takes us to the next level of civilization.

Also, both concepts want people to have full ownership and control over their data. Although they adopt different technologies, users are willing to become beneficiaries of both systems. Thus, with either concept at the forefront, the next generation of the Internet will create a more interconnected and user-centric online world.

While there are similarities between Web3 and Web 3.0 in terms of what they want to achieve, there are some differences.

1. Ideology : While Web 3.0 was created to refer to the continued evolution of the web into a more accessible and connected ecosystem, Web3 was founded on decentralizing the Internet, giving users more power.
2. Distributed Model : As a continuation of Web 2.0, Web 3.0 leverages the existing client/server distribution model, while Web3 uses a decentralized, peer-to-peer distribution model to disseminate information.
3. Protocol . Again, Web 3.0 improves on the existing HTTP/ protocol to allow better data exchange, while Web3 adopts a new blockchain-based protocol for decentralized data exchange.

It should also be noted that Web 3.0 has not yet achieved widespread popularity, while Web3 is now more prominent due to its links and usage of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. As more uses of blockchain technology emerge on a daily basis, Web3 will likely define the next phase of the Internet.

Lesley Montoya

Update 24 July 2023