In my previous post, I discussed the concept and background of Web 3.0. In this post, I will cover the main features of Web 3.0. The key characteristics of Web 3.0 are the developments made to overcome issues that arose with Web 2.0.
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| Key Features of WEB 3.0 |
1. Decentralization of Content (Information & Data) Control and Operation
In Web 2.0, platform companies amassed power by centralizing content. Web 3.0 introduces "decentralization" to address this. Its most important feature and keyword is decentralization. Without a central server or manager, nodes connect autonomously in a P2P manner with data stored distributed across nodes. With blockchain technology emerging, Web 3.0 utilizes blockchain-based systems/networks to encrypt data and enable individual content ownership without central control.
In Web 3.0, user content is stored distributed on the blockchain network rather than centralized servers owned by platform companies. This prevents monopolization of content (information & data) by companies like Google, Meta, and Naver. It also helps prevent privacy issues and data breaches.
For content operation, Web 3.0 moves away from centralized platform-centric management towards decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) where users participate in transparent, democratic governance.
2. Securing User Content (Information & Data) Ownership
In Web 2.0, platform companies owned and controlled much of the content (information and data) produced by users, reaping most profits. To escape platform control and regulations in Web 3.0, decentralized blockchain-based DApps emerge for users to participate in ecosystems and earn rewards like coins. NFTs also establish verified ownership and scarcity of owned content, enabling users to monetize via NFT marketplaces.
3. High Security and Privacy
User transactions in Web 3.0 utilize smart contracts on blockchain. Transactions only occur when pre-specified contractual conditions are met. Contract details are protocollized, stored distributed, and executed by computers without third-party clearing houses. This ensures trust and transparency without requiring intermediaries.
Distributed ledger storage also enhances security against hacking threats.
4. Intelligent Services
Web 3.0 aims to leverage AI, semantic web, contextual awareness to provide personalized, intelligent services catered to individuals - building upon Web 2.0's values of openness, sharing, and participation. AI innovations like large language models have catalyzed and propagated Web 3.0. Blockchain, NFTs, the metaverse and generative AI are also driving Web 3.0 mainstream.
The fusion of technologies enables optimized, high-utility content (information & data) services for users in Web 3.0.
5. Expanded Media Interfaces
In the past, web content was simply text or videos. Access was also limited to mouse and keyboard inputs. However, with technological improvements and evolving user needs, Web 3.0 delivers diverse experiences - as embodied by the metaverse fusing physical and virtual worlds. Technologies like XR (VR, AR, MR) and life logging also emerge to provide differentiated experiences.
This allows accessing web environments through various devices, with digital assets (NFT-verified scarce assets) in virtual worlds forming a key pillar. Global gaming and social networking platforms are expanding into metaverse businesses and digital asset economies enabled by rich, sensory events, interactions and communities.
6. Summary
| Characteristic | Description | Value Provided | |
| Core Characteristics |
Decentralization | - No central intermediaries - Autonomous/democratic governance - Key technologies: Blockchain, DAOs, cryptocurrency |
- Overcomes data monopolization -Enhances transparency and user control |
| Data Ownership | - Users own data previously controlled by central authorities - Key technologies: NFTs, cryptocurrency, DApps |
- Verifies data ownership - Enables monetization |
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| High Security | - Distributed data storage removes need for central servers - Permissionless participation based on protocols - Key technologies: DApps, smart contracts, edge computing |
- Improves security and trust - Expands eligible participants |
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| Implementation Characteristics |
Intelligent Services | - Provides personalized, intelligent services to users - Key technologies: Massive AI models, semantic web |
- Increases convenience, productivity, efficiency |
| Expanded Media Interfaces | - Blends physical and virtual worlds - Key technologies: Metaverse, life logging |
- Heightens immersion - Novel user experiences |
