Web 2.0 vs Web 3.0: Similarities & Differences

What is Web 3.0?

Web 3.0, also known as Semantic Web, is the 3rd and the latest iteration of the internet based on blockchain technology. The defining features of Web 3.0 are

  • Decentralization – The data is not stored at a single location. Instead, it is distributed across different nodes.
  • Trustlessness Participants can interact directly with each other. No need to trust an intermediary like any particular app or website.
  • Permissionless –  Permission from any authority or governing body is not required for participation in Web 3.0
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) –  Computers will understand information just like humans through Semantic Web concepts and natural language processing. 
  • Machine Learning (ML) – Computers will utilize data and algorithms to imitate the learning and processing capabilities of humans and will improve their accuracy gradually. 
  • Connectivity and Ubiquity – More and more devices will get connected to the internet and to each other. The content and information would be more ubiquitous to be accessed by multiple applications

What is Web 2.0?

Web 2.0 is the second iteration of the World Wide Web.  It facilitated user-generated content to be viewed, shared, and accessed by other users around the world in a significantly shorter period of time.

  • Centralized – The data is stored at a particular location.
  • Trust-based – Participants need to trust a third party for their interaction. For example, Social media platforms are required to facilitate communication between two people.
  • Permission-based – The content was monitored and regulated by a governing authority.
  • Algorithm-based – The operations are based on software algorithms and might not be so accurate and relevant.
  • Limited Connectivity – Only a limited number of devices could connect to the web.
Web 2.0 Web 3.0
Organizational structure
  • Centralized control
  • Concentrated ownership
  • Decision made the shareholder
  • Decentralized control
  • Distributed ownership
  • Governance by holders of the native token 
  • Consensus-based decisions
Data storage
Centralized storage
Decentralized storage
Platform format
  • VR/AR hardware 
  • PC/console 
  • Mobile/app
  • VR/AR hardware
  • PC 
  • Mobile app
Payments Infrastructure
  • Traditional payments methods such as Credit Cards, Debit cards, Netbanking, etc
  • Virtual currency limited to that platform
  • Crypto wallets
  • Cryptocurrencies and tokens
Content creators
  • Game developers
  • Community member
  • Game developers
Portability of digital assets
Non-interoperable
Interoperable
Ownership of digital assets
Within the platform where purchased
Portable as owned by the user (NFT)
Identity
  • Avatar created on a particular platform is restricted to that platform
  • Self-sovereign identity through Avatar
  • Anonymous Private-key
Revenue Model
  • Revenue shared between the platform and the creator/developer
  • Developers/creators directly earn revenue
  • Earning through participation in activities and governance
  • Royalties earn by NFTs creators
Participation methods
  • Socialization
  • Gaming
  • Play-to-earn game
  • Metaverse Events
  • All Web 2.0 activities
Example
  • World of Warcraft
  • Second Life
  • Fortnite
  • Roblox
  • Decentraland
  • The Sandbox
  • Roblox
  • Cryptovoxels
  • Somnium Space