Web 3.0 revolution - a decentralised internet of the future

In this edition's fun fact, we want to deconstruct a phenomenon that you might have already heard about - the Web 3.0 revolution. What is it and why is there such a build-up around it?

The answer to the first question is not obvious, as Web 3.0 is still work-in-progress. There is no one single definition at the moment. You can imagine it as a future where decentralised internet took over from the centralised one and where users are able to interact with other parties through peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, without the need for trusted third parties. Web 3.0 also integrates open-source code, through which contributors can easily collaborate on new features and audit the code.

The numeration "3.0" refers to the third iteration of the internet's development, preceded by the Web 1.0 and Web 2.0. In 1990, Web 1.0 took off with the creation of the World Wide Web and the first browsers using static HTML code. A decade later, Web 2.0 followed with the rise of mega platforms. These platforms, such as Google or Facebook, made the internet more information-centric. However, they also hold a virtual monopoly in critical areas of services, distribution networks and internet standardisation. The goal of Web 3.0 is to make the Web more decentralised and more user-centric.

The key to empower Web 3.0 and enforce decentralisation of the internet is blockchain technology. This is why Web 3.0 is based on public permissionless blockchain system. In this system, central authorities are no longer able to decide who gets access to the internet services. Developers build decentralised apps instead of creating and deploying apps that run on a single server or a proprietary store. Data is no longer stored in a single database, which provides the user with strong benefits such as decentralisation, censorship-resistance, trustless environments and better control over their data.

EBSI's goal is to make public administrations more efficient while giving European citizens more control over their data. EBSI is closely following the Web 3.0 revolution, bringing decentralisation, open-source, reusability of standards & specifications and portable digital credentials at the centre of services for European citizens.