You can’t spend fifteen minutes online without running into the phrase “Web 3.0.” Web 3.0 means many things to any number of people, it might look like an investment vehicle for some, for others, it’s a way to reclaim their financial security, for businesses it can be a tool for protecting and privatizing their data. With the big crypto crash shaking public confidence in the technologies of the future, let’s take a look at what Web 3.0 really is and how it can
What is Web 3.0?
Web 3.0 is a term coined by Gavin Wood, one of the co-founders of Ethereum. He defined it as a “decentralized online ecosystem based on blockchain.”[1] Understanding that requires a brief explanation of the blockchain. Often, definitions of the blockchain are mired in buzzwords and tech-talk, but it can most easily be understood as a public-facing, decentralized ledger. Blockchains are simply open books that have been backed up and verified by multiple sources. This is where the decentralization comes in. Decentralized technology is simply the act of eliminating a centralized hub for spaces on the internet. Blockchains, are naturally decentralized, everyone accessing the blockchain participates, in some form, in verifying and housing the most current state of the ledger, further reinforcing and solidifying its accuracy.
This understanding of the basics of Web 3.0 is essential when considering the future of the internet. With two tools: blockchains and decentralization, we can rethink the way we work online.
Popular Misconceptions
Cryptocurrency, non-fungible tokens, and publicly facing ledgers have a chokehold on Web 3.0-related conversations. They are flashy and unique aspects of the future. These examples of Web 3.0 innovations are immediately able to showcase the unique aspects of a decentralized structure of the internet. These are, ironically, the least interesting uses of Web 3.0. Cryptocurrencies and NTFs are only as useful as their public perception, whereas the technologies backing them build a more robust internet.
Cryptocurrencies are simply a byproduct of Web 3.0, not a technology inherent to its structure. Cryptocurrencies are a clever way to monetize the immutable and decentralized aspects of this new generation of the internet. Blockchains require proof of work (essentially, solving complex calculations) and along with their public-facing nature, Web 3.0 can provide a relatively stable (outside of the speculative bubble) ecosystem for currencies or tokens of ownership. The unique immutability of a decentralized blockchain-based ownership token is an interesting draw for investors and speculators, but we’d like to stress how effective the underlying technology has been over the last few years at sustaining the rapid rise of crypto.
As digital inhabitants, we can dream bigger. The rise of web 3.0 is an exciting prospect, with incredible potential. Cryptocurrencies are exciting and interesting, but as they stand now, they’re also volatile and unreliable as a method of exchange[2].
How We Can Use Web 3.0
The strengths of Web 3.0 lie in creating a more secure and less ephemeral internet. Blockchain-backed storage systems and decentralized access points for websites and services. Web 3.0 aims to eliminate service blackouts by creating more frequent peer-to-peer connections, URL decay would become a thing of the past, and archival efforts would become more resilient and accessible to the layperson and library alike.
A technology that’s much more practical, if less flashy, than cryptocurrency is the Interplanetary File System (IPFS). IPFS works by creating a secure peer-to-peer connection all around the planet. By encrypting, dividing, and distributing data stored using IPFS, we can create a cloud that’s more secure while maintaining and improving our digital privacy.[3] Think of the peace of mind you’d have using your iCloud service knowing that your data was encrypted end-to-end and backed up on a decentralized network of servers that couldn’t scan the contents of your storage.[4]
What Does Web 3.0 Mean to Us?
AXEL Go is the file-sharing service of the Web 3.0 era. Our blockchain-backed service is based entirely on decentralization, security, and privacy. We believe in going the extra mile when it comes to data protection. We will never collect your data, peek into your files, or sell your information to a third party. The only thing we care about is security and service in the modern age.
You can sign up for a 14-day trial of AXEL Go Premium with all of our features unlocked and see why AXEL Go is leading the Web 3.0 charge
[1] Edelman, Gilad. “What Is web3, Anyway?” Wired. Conde Nast, November 29, 2021. https://www.wired.com/story/web3-gavin-wood-interview/.
[2] “Opinion | Crashing Crypto: Is This Time Different? – the …” Accessed May 19, 2022. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/17/opinion/crypto-crash-bitcoin.html.
[3] “# How IPFs Works.” IPFS Docs. Accessed May 19, 2022. https://docs.ipfs.io/concepts/how-ipfs-works/.
[4] Orr, Andrew. “Apple Now Scans Uploaded Content for Child Abuse Imagery (Update).” The Mac Observer, August 9, 2021. https://www.macobserver.com/analysis/apple-scans-uploaded-content.