Visit our Web3 guide to discover the future and the challenges of this innovative technology.
Things to know to get the most out of this guide:
- The current operation and issues of Web3
- Comparison of Web3 to older forms of the Web
- Implementation of Web 3.0
Things to know before commenting on this guide:
No prior knowledge is required to read and understand the content of this article.
Despite being in its development phase, Web3 is currently generating a lot of interest, particularly among tech experts and enthusiasts, developers, entrepreneurs, and researchers. This technological revolution introduces innovations that are familiar to cryptocurrency enthusiasts, in particular, thanks to the use of blockchain, smart contracts, or protocols. With these fresh innovations, Web3 should mark the future of our use of the Internet.
At a time when the centralization of platforms and data remains evident, Web 3.0 aims to gradually open up a much more accessible and decentralized digital ecosystem.
Web 3.0 Definition
To fully comprehend the issues, and ultimately the functionality and prospective future of Web 3.0, it is important to compare its characteristics with older generations of the web, particularly Web 2.0. Interestingly, this iteration of the web is still in operation and characterizes most of our web activities that involve centralized bodies and services or data storage.
This guide will provide insights into the developments brought about by the old and current generations of the Internet, and break down the ongoing implementation of Web 3.0, which has already been achieved thanks to several decentralized entities, and in particular, the world of cryptocurrency.
The Era Before Web 3.0… (Web 1.0 and Web 2.0)
While the implementation and disruptions linked to Web3 are gradually established, it is necessary to revisit the fundamental principles of Web1, and then Web2, which continue to significantly influence our web browsing. It is also important to note that many IT specialists emphasize the separation of the “Internet” from the “Web” itself. In this guide, our focus is on the “Web,” a word that first appeared in the 1990s.

Web 1
After the creation of interconnected information pages that were hosted across several Internet servers, Web 1 mainly took off in 1993 thanks to Mosaic, which is widely considered to be the first Internet browser. Overall, until the 2000s, Web1 was similar to static pages that displayed a collection of information. Hypertext and the link between several servers worked their magic and undeniably, this first generation of the Web marked a revolution in the quest for information.
Web 2
Major changes occurred in the 2000s with the introduction of Web 2.0, the most notable being the ability for the user to become an actor on the web. Unlike the first iteration of the web, users moved from being just readers to becoming content providers. As a result, Blogs began to pop on across multiple sites, and subsequently, Social networks became an important part of the web and still continue to be a major part for internet users. In addition, Web 2 marks the arrival of the Mobile Internet which is still, to this day, one of the recent trademarks of this technology.
If we had to choose just one example of Web 2 integration, the Wikipedia platform would be the most notable choice. “Wiki” offers a sort of open-air encyclopedia with a multitude of hypertext links, which are clearly based on the foundations of Web 1. However, the ability of internet users to contribute and edit the web content clearly poses the basics of Web 2.
In recent times, the era of Web 3.0 has also already begun thanks to several actors and indicators.
The Introduction of Web 3.0
The introduction of this web iteration and even the change of the term Web3 can be traced back to 2014 and to Gavin Wood, who is well known for being one of the founders of the Ethereum blockchain. This is no surprise since it is the very principle of blockchain that forms the foundation of Web3. While having brought numerous developments compared to the first generation of the Web, Web 2.0 is also based on the same principles as Web 1.0, particularly that of centralization. To put it simply, the major entities in the sector, often the famous GAFAM, have control over the Internet market as well as user data. This form of management generally prevents the emergence of new stakeholders, typically by the centralized bodies, and ultimately results in the monetization of their users’ data. For obvious ethical reasons, this model therefore highlights several problems that Web3 and its current developers wish to counter with the introduction of several characteristics such as the use of artificial intelligence and the use of decentralized exchange platforms such as Uniswap.
What are the Characteristics of Web 3.0?
Web3 seeks to completely distinguish itself from Web 2.0, primarily by disrupting the existing centralization and market dominance of a select few companies who, interestingly, are also actively investing in the development of this emerging technology, as is the case with Facebook and its company, Meta. The aim of Web3 is to develop a new form of interaction, and more significantly, to redefine how development and intellectual property are being accessed and stored.
Web3 is therefore characterized by several features, most of which are still under development and of which remains to be seen whether they are utopian or not. However, bear in mind that the implementation of Web3 will be progressive, similar to the development of the first and second iterations of the Web. The introduction of new stakeholders and novel methods typically expedites access to emerging technologies. In practical terms, the characteristics of Web3 can currently be found in several forms.
Open Source Code
Web3 technology is based on the principle of smart contracts, which is already a popular aspect of the world of cryptocurrency. This means that any developer can make improvements to any application or protocol without having to pay for certain access, as is the case today on Web2 with the central companies in the space. This accessibility is aimed at increasing the interest of developers and ultimately, allowing everyone to shape the application or functionality of their choice without financial, legal, or practical restrictions.
A network that ensures the integrity of communications
Currently, development data and sometimes even user data are centralized and gatekept by web entities. On Web3, communications and interactions will be stored on a shared blockchain, as is the case with many cryptocurrency stakeholders across various blockchains and with various crypto assets. The public blockchain is a network of several blocks recognized for its security and is accessible to everyone.
A network accessible to everyone
On Web2, the user will always require the authorization of the central organization to access its services. According to the principle of free open-source access for developers, users will be able to optimally leverage all the functionalities and applications of a specific network without necessarily obtaining prior approval. The absence of control of a central company means that access will be freely available in a decentralized setting.

Major Examples of Web 3.0 Innovations
There are so many possibilities when it comes to Web3, some of which are still currently unknown. However, the innovations and technologies associated with this web iteration undeniably have the potential to shake up the world of the Internet. Metaverse, Blockchain, the democratization of cryptocurrencies, and the increasing use of AI (artificial intelligence) are some of a long list the examples of what Web3 offers and what it could offer in the near future.
Integration of artificial intelligence
AI has recently been generating a lot of buzz and has become more mainstream with innovations like ChatGPT being used by millions. Before this recent frenzy, AI was already being seamlessly integrated into many systems. These integrations can be leveraged under Web3 through AI languages, applications like chatbots, or even by optimizing the functionalities of Web3 applications.
Metaverse
Metaverse is the “cool kid on the block” that is often associated with the world of Web3. To put it simply, the metaverse is a 3D virtual universe that is accessible through different products, such as virtual reality headsets. It integrates several emerging technologies and provides a digital space where users can perform a multitude of tasks or enjoy entertainment. It goes beyond the simple use of social networks which will also be eventually disrupted by the prevalence of Web3. Indeed, this category probably encompasses the most appreciated and innovative aspect of Web3 since users will be able to completely control their data and reduce access to it by other users.
Blockchain and cryptocurrency
With the use of blockchain technology to secure all data and transactions, Web3 is also expected to result in the increased popularity and value of different cryptocurrency assets. Ultimately, this expected adoption should gradually reduce the use of traditional banking systems or compel them to extend their range of services.
Decentralized Governance
As you will have understood, Web3 logically incorporates the major bases and habits known within the world of cryptocurrency. The exchange and ownership of assets are already steps towards change and integration in this new era. Therefore, Web3 should include in categories other than the simple exchange of assets or development of an ecosystem, the principle of decentralized governance. It allows each user to actively participate in the evolution of protocols or applications by opening a fair vote on the blockchain.
Why this transition to Web 3.0?
The major Web3 stakeholders and developers aim to implement the new architecture and adopt new habits when browsing the Internet. The aim is for the web to be completely decentralized by having data stored in various secure blockchains rather than on servers owned by a few companies. Through this process, the interconnected computers would then become the server. These expected changes will lead to even greater transparency and much greater autonomy on the part of users. Web3 will differ from the web that is currently popular today and introduce users to new experiences by increasing the capacity to integrate new technologies and improving interconnectivity.
The Challenges of this Transition
Although the benefits of a progressive move to Web3 may seem significant, especially for traditional Internet users, there are still many challenges to overcome. Development is only in its early stages and today, the optimal Web3 as we envision it may still seem utopian. There are therefore several obstacles to overcome, particularly in terms of the legal adoption of this technology.
For example, it will be complex to control the information available on the Web without some form of centralized control. Decentralization will make it difficult to detect crime, which can be easily done on the Web2 version of the Internet. Since no one is about to claim possession of a code, this new world could possibly turn into anarchy.
However, the transition will be gradual and should eventually make it possible to democratize the Internet and increase the bandwidth of developers and users who are typically limited by the few companies that control the majority of data and functions that are currently available on the Internet.
Conclusion
Web3 is only in its infancy, but the democratization of cryptocurrencies, the increasingly advanced access to virtual reality,y and other technological innovations prove the incredible potential of this new era of the web.
There have been arguments by several schools of thought regarding the implementation of this web iteration and it is still difficult to confirm that Web3 will be a monumental revolution. Many characteristics will likely become mainstream, but the complete democratization of the Internet will certainly be difficult to fully implement. In any case, these are the thoughts of several specialists on the subject.
However, security and transparency of data management are two characteristics that are specific to Web3 which should enable the web to evolve in the right direction. Plus, the ability of users to control their data and decentralization will result in a massive reduction of the control of central bodies.