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What Is Web 3?

Research Overview

Author: Douglas Heintzman, Irving Wladawsky-Berger
Release Date: September 28, 2022

Abstract:

Web 3 is a set of technologies that combine into new classes of digital services. Web 1 refers to the read-only Internet (1980s–early 2000s) where most users consumed content like encyclopedia entries, directories, and catalogs. Web 2 refers to the read-write Internet (early 2000s–2020) with many killer apps like Google search and Facebook for finding, collaborating, and transacting with each other online. Web 3 is the read-write-own Internet (2020–today), based on blockchain protocols that support online privacy, self-sovereign identity, and property rights to digital assets.

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