Introduction

Since the World Wide Web (also known as the Internet) was first introduced to the world in the form of Web1, the Internet (or simply “the web”) has undergone significant changes. As technology rapidly evolves and user needs continuously shift, the web is gradually evolving as well.
In the Web1 era, people could only browse and consume content, with very limited interaction capabilities. By the time Web2 arrived, driven by the proliferation of smartphones and the surge in mobile internet access, users could not only consume content but also create and share their own. Today, with the emergence of the Web3 concept, the internet is heading toward a whole new future. In this version, users can not only consume and create content but also truly own it, gaining greater autonomy and control.

A Brief History of the Web

Web1 – The “Read-Only” Web

Web1, also known as the first generation of the internet, was primarily characterized as a “read-only” environment. Its main feature was static web pages, with content created by developers or administrators. Users could only browse and access information but could not interact or edit the content. The technological foundation of Web1 was mainly built on HTML, with fixed content consisting primarily of text, images, and hyperlinks. Websites during this period were relatively simple in structure, and users’ online experience mainly involved clicking links to navigate between pages, reading news, articles, and other information. Most websites of this era were one-way content publishing platforms where users had no ability to modify or participate in the content. Drawbacks of Web1:

1. Lack of Interactivity: Users could only browse web pages and were unable to comment, share, or upload content, resulting in a rather passive and limited experience.
2. Slow Content Updates: Pages needed to be manually updated by administrators, making it difficult to provide real-time or frequently updated content, resulting in poor information timeliness.
3. Low User Engagement: Content was fully controlled by a small number of providers, leaving users with no opportunity to create or customize content, resulting in a restricted online experience.

Web2 – The “Read-Write” Web

Web2, also known as the second generation of the internet, represents an upgrade and extension of Web1. Unlike Web1, where users could only browse content, Web2 empowered users to participate in and create content, transforming the web from a “read-only” to a “read-write” model. Typical Web2 applications, such as social media, blogs, and video-sharing platforms, allow users to generate and share their own content. With the advancement of technology, the development of JavaScript, HTML5, CSS3, and other technologies made web pages more dynamic and interactive. Users could now comment, like, and share on various platforms, greatly enriching their online experience. Web2 addressed the low user engagement and lack of interactivity in Web1 by enabling users to become contributors to online content rather than merely passive recipients. Improvements in Web2:

1. User-Generated Content: Platforms such as social media and blogs allowed users to create and publish their own content, greatly enriching the information and resources available on the web.
2. Real-Time Content Updates: With dynamic web pages and database technologies, content could be updated instantly, providing users with the latest information and feedback. Drawbacks of Web2:
3. Centralized Control: Although users could generate content, platforms and services were still controlled by a few large companies, leading to frequent commercial exploitation of user data and privacy.
4. Data Privacy Issues: User-generated content and data were often stored on centralized servers, posing risks of privacy breaches and data misuse.
5. Platform Dependency: Users’ content and influence were dependent on specific platforms. If a platform shut down or changed its rules, users could lose control and profits.

Web3 – The “Self-Sovereign” Web

Web3, also known as the third generation of the internet, represents a further development beyond Web2, aiming to address the issues of centralization and data privacy in Web2. While Web2 relies on a few large platforms, Web3 leverages blockchain, decentralized protocols, and smart contracts to give users true control over their data and digital assets. In Web3, users can not only generate and consume content but also own and control their data, no longer relying on centralized platforms. Through decentralized applications (DApps), users can conduct transactions and interactions without intermediaries, enjoying greater autonomy and privacy protection. Web3 addresses the centralized control and data privacy issues in Web2, offering users a more equitable and transparent online experience. Improvements in Web3:

1. Decentralization: Web3 uses blockchain technology to transfer control from centralized platforms to users, eliminating the need for intermediaries.
2. Data Sovereignty: Users can control their data through encryption technologies, preventing it from being misused or sold by platforms, enhancing privacy protection.
3. Ownership of Digital Assets: Through smart contracts and blockchain, users can own digital assets (such as cryptocurrencies and NFTs) and trade them directly without relying on third-party platforms.

   Web2 vs Web3

   The main differences between Web3 and Web2 can be summarized as follows:

• Data Ownership: In Web3, users own their data and can decide how to use, share, or monetize it. In Web2, users give their data rights to platforms, which often profit by reselling it to third parties for marketing purposes.
• Data Security: In Web3, data is stored on a distributed network, making it more resistant to attacks and tampering. Data access is protected by encryption mechanisms. In Web2, data is stored on centralized servers, making it vulnerable to hacking and data breaches.
• Data Privacy: In Web3, users can use pseudonyms, encryption, and zero-knowledge proofs to protect their identity and privacy. In Web2, users are tracked and analyzed by platforms and third parties, who can access and sell their personal information.
• Data Sovereignty: In Web3, users can control their data and interact with any data or service on the open web without censorship or restrictions. In Web2, users are subject to platform rules and policies, and platforms can ban, limit, or manipulate them.
• Data Value: In Web3, users can directly create and exchange value with each other using cryptocurrencies, tokens, and smart contracts. In Web2, users rely on platforms to facilitate transactions and capture most of the value.

Web3 is not just a technological upgrade but a paradigm shift that empowers users, making the internet more democratic, fair, and innovative. Although Web3 is still in its early stages, it has the potential to transform industries such as finance, media, social networks, gaming, education, and healthcare.