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The Internet is changing. A centralized web that puts users at risk of having their data exploited for advertising and other third-party profit is giving way to a decentralized Web3. This article introduces you to the decentralization movement, also known as Web3, and explains its significance for the future of internet users. It covers why we are moving away from a centralized internet and what it means for your online security, browsing habits, and general browsing experience.
What is Web3 and why do we need it?
The World Wide Web (or just the “Web”) has been an integral part of our lives for the past 30 years. Web3 is the next stage of the online space and will be the foundation for all the apps, services, and other online third-party tools. The internet is rapidly changing from a centralized system run by giant companies and governments to a decentralized network that can’t be shut down by one single party.
This is good news for internet users, as centralized systems are much more vulnerable to attack and misuse by malicious actors. With a decentralized internet, we can keep the benefits of being connected without having to worry about someone shutting down the network.
Why Move to Web3, a Decentralized Web?
The internet as we know it is about to change. A centralized web has been the foundation for all online activities, but it’s now becoming apparent that there are issues with this system. Centralized networks are inherently more vulnerable to attacks, and hackers are finding new ways to exploit issues with data storage and user privacy. There are a number of pressing concerns that are driving the decentralization movement. Here are a few examples:
- Privacy and user data
- Ad targeting
- Security and data protection
- Online censorship
- Neutrality
These issues aren’t going anywhere, and they will only get worse if nothing is done to address them. A decentralized web is the best way to address these problems and protect users in the long term.
What Does a Decentralized Web Look Like?
A decentralized web looks a lot like the internet we know today, but with a few key differences. Instead of data being hosted on centralized servers, it is instead spread out across millions of computers all over the world through Blockchain technology. This decentralized “distributed” network is much more resilient and secure than today’s centralized system.
A decentralized web is created by connecting computers all over the world to form a network. This network is known as a “distributed” network because it is not run by a single company or organization, but by millions of computers across the globe. Each of these computers is like a mini server that stores information about you and your browsing history. This means you can access the internet from any device, anywhere in the world — and your data will always be accessible.
How will the Decentralized Web Function?
A web built on distributed ledgers will allow users to control their data in ways that are presently impossible. Today, third parties are harvesting and storing your information in order to create detailed profiles of your likes and dislikes so they can sell you products. This is something that should concern everyone since third parties are essentially stealing your identity and using it to sell you things.
In the decentralized world, you’ll be able to decide how much of your information to share with third parties and which data you’d like to keep to yourself. This is done by choosing which apps and services you’d like to use — and giving them the minimum amount of rights to your data that they need to function.
How is the User Experience Going to Change?
The user experience on a decentralized web will be very different from what we are used to. You’ll no longer be able to use websites like Facebook and Twitter by visiting their domain names. Instead, you will have to download and install an app for each service that you want to use.
This will have a major impact on the amount of time you spend online. Instead of visiting a bunch of different websites, you will have to open each app and input your login details. This will likely lead to increased levels of frustration, but it will also make the internet more secure and protect your privacy.
Bottom Line
The decentralized web is the future of the internet. While centralized platforms like Google and Facebook have been hugely successful, they come with inherent risks. A decentralized web is a much safer and more reliable way of connecting people across the globe. The decentralized web is still in its early stages, but it’s likely that we’ll see progress over the next few years. It’s important for internet users to be knowledgeable about the shifting landscape of the web and understand how a decentralized network will benefit them.
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