The history of the internet begins in the 1960s, when US government scientists started working on a project called ARPANET, which aimed to ...
The history of the internet begins in the 1960s, when US government scientists started working on a project called ARPANET, which aimed to create a computer network capable of staying functional even in the event of a military attack. In 1969, ARPANET performed the first "handshake" (connection) between two computers, starting what would later become known as the internet.
The most notable events throughout history include:
- In 1971, the first email was sent through the internet.
- In 1991, the World Wide Web (WWW) was created by the British Tim Berners-Lee, making the internet much more accessible and easy to use for the general public.
- In 1993, Mosaic, the first web browser, was released, making the internet even more userfriendly and accessible.
- In 1995, e-commerce began to develop with the launch of Amazon.com and eBay.
- In 1996, the first smartphone, the IBM Simon, was launched, starting a new era of mobile connectivity.
- In 1998, Google was founded, making internet search much easier and efficient.
- In 2004, Facebook was launched, transforming the way people connect and share information.
- In 2008, Bitcoin was created, starting the emergence of cryptocurrencies and the development of new business models based on blockchain technology.
These events are considered significant because they represent significant changes in how the internet is used and how it affects our lives.
The history of Web3, on the other hand, begins with the emergence of Bitcoin in 2008, which was the first cryptocurrency to be created and to use blockchain technology. Blockchain is a form of decentralized record keeping that allows transactions to be recorded in a transparent and immutable way, without the need for trusted intermediaries.
Then, in 2013, Ethereum was launched, a blockchain platform that allows for the creation of smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). This opened up new possibilities for decentralized applications based on smart contracts, and many other blockchain projects and cryptocurrencies began to emerge.
Since then, developers and entrepreneurs have been exploring how blockchain technology can be used to create decentralized applications and new business models based on blockchain.
What is Web 3.0?
What is this thing called Web3 that everyone is talking about?
Web3 is a new version of the World Wide Web (WWW) that is currently being developed. This technology aims for greater decentralization, privacy, and security for users, as well as new business models based on cryptocurrencies and smart contracts. This is achieved through the use of technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things.
Web3 is also known as the "Decentralized Web" or "Semi-Autonomous Web," which seeks to remove the need for intermediaries in conducting transactions. This will allow users to have more control over their personal information.
Furthermore, Web3 aims to create decentralized applications (DApps) that are based on smart contracts and have their own native tokens that can be used to pay for services and assets on the network. Some examples of Web3 projects include Ethereum, EOS, IPFS, and many others.
Blockchain
How is blockchain technology being used to create the decentralized web, and how does it affect privacy, security, and internet governance? In my previous book, "Bitcoin Unveiled," I explained blockchain technology in more detail. If you haven't read it yet, I recommend checking it out. But in summary, blockchain technology allows information to be stored in a decentralized digital ledger that is shared among multiple computers worldwide. This means there is no single point of failure or control, making the network more secure and resistant to attacks.
Furthermore, blockchain technology enables transactions to be recorded in a transparent and immutable manner. Once information is added to the network, it cannot be altered or erased. This enhances user privacy since there is no single point of failure that can be exploited to spy on or track user activities.
For example, in electronic voting, blockchain technology can be used to transparently and immutably record and tally votes, ensuring the integrity and reliability of the electoral process. This has the potential to revolutionize a nation's electoral system.
Internet governance is also affected by blockchain technology as it allows online communities to make collective and consensus-based decisions on how the network should be managed and updated. This means there is no single individual or organization with absolute control over the network, but rather a decentralized network of individuals and organizations working together to ensure the network's security and privacy.
"Blockchain is the weapon of digital democracy, paving the way for a new era of transparency and security."
Decentralized Applications (DApps)
How are decentralized applications changing the way businesses and individuals interact with the internet?
Decentralized applications (DApps) allow people to transact and access services without the need for intermediaries. This means that individuals can engage in transactions directly with each other, also known as Peer-to-Peer (P2P), without the involvement of banks, service providers, or other intermediaries.
Furthermore, DApps are enabling the creation of new business models such as decentralized crowdfunding platforms and marketplaces. This empowers individuals to directly fund projects and engage in direct buying and selling of goods and services without intermediaries.
Another way DApps are changing the way businesses and individuals interact with the internet is by facilitating the creation of autonomous and self regulated online communities. These communities enable collective decision-making on how the community should be managed and regulated.
In summary, decentralized applications provide greater autonomy and freedom for individuals and businesses, along with new business models and online communities based on consensus and decentralization.
Now, come with me to explore the most well-known DApps and their utilities.
Some of the most prominent DApps include:
- Ethereum: a smart contract platform that enables developers to create and deploy decentralized applications.
- EOS: a decentralized platform for DApps and smart contracts that offers scalability and high transaction processing capabilities.
- IPFS: a decentralized storage protocol that allows files to be shared in a decentralized and peer-to-peer manner.
- OpenBazaar: a decentralized e-commerce platform that enables people to buy and sell goods and services directly with each other.
- DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations): decentralized organizations, typically based on smart contracts, governedby their members and having their own native tokens.
Cryptocurrencies
Digital Wallets
Interoperability
Blockchain bridges
- Cosmos (ATOM): It is a blockchain bridge that allows different blockchains to communicate with each other, referred to as the "Internet of Blockchains."
- Polkadot (DOT): It is a blockchain interoperability network that enables different blockchains to communicate and share information with each other.
- Aion (AION): It is a blockchain bridge that allows different blockchains to communicate with each other and share information, enabling users to move assets and information between different blockchains securely and efficiently.
Interoperability Protocols
- Wanchain (WAN): It is an interoperability platform that allows different blockchains to be integrated with each other, enabling users to access and use applications and services across different platforms more easily and efficiently.
- Icon (ICX): It is a platform that enables communication between different blockchains and platforms, providing infrastructure for decentralized applications (DApps).
- Ark (ARK): It is an interoperability protocol that allows communication between different blockchains, providing a platform for decentralized applications (DApps).
Decentralized Oracles
- Chainlink: is a decentralized oracle platform that provides a variety of data sources and tools to ensure hat smart contracts have access to the most accurate and reliable information. It is based on thereum and uses the PoA (Proof of Authority) consensus technology to ensure security.
- Band Protocol: is a decentralized oracle platform that allows users to create and manage custom oracles for their smart contracts. It is based on Cosmos and uses the PoS (Proof of Stake) consensus technology to ensure security.
- Tellor: is a decentralized oracle platform that relies on PoW (Proof of Work) mining to provide accurate and reliable information to smart contracts. It primarily focuses on providing data for cryptocurrency and decentralized finance-related applications.
Multi-chain native tokens
- Binance Coin (BNB): It is a multi-chain native token that can be used on different blockchains, such as Binance Chain and Ethereum. It is used to pay transaction fees on Binance and to acquire other crypto assets and services on the platform.
- THETA (THETA): It can also be used on different blockchains, such as Ethereum and THETA. It has similar functionalities to BNB, such as paying transaction fees, acquiring other crypto assets and services on the platform, and can also be used as a payment method for video streaming content.
- Cosmos (ATOM): Similar to BNB and THETA, it can also be used on different blockchains, but in this case on Ethereum and Cosmos.
Interoperability between Layer 1 and Layer 2
- Polygon (MATIC): It is a Layer 1 and Layer 2 interoperability platform that enables decentralized applications (DApps) to communicate with the Ethereum network more efficiently and at a larger scale.
- Avalanche (AVAX): It is a Layer 1 and Layer 2 interoperability platform, similar to MATIC, but it allows DApps to communicate with the Avalanche network.
- Optimism (OPT): It is also a Layer 2 platform for Ethereum that aims to improve scalability and transaction speed. It uses a Layer 2 architecture called "optimistic rollup" that allows transactions to be processed outside the main Ethereum layer while still allowing transactions to be audited and verified on the main layer efficiently.
Tips for monetizing your data
- Brave: is a blockchain-based browser developed by Brave Software Inc. It was launched in 2016 and is based on Chromium, the open-source code of Google Chrome. It enables users to browse the web privately and quickly, blocking ads and trackers, while also allowing users to earn cryptocurrency rewards in Basic Attention Token (BAT) simply by viewing ads while browsing the web. The goal of Brave is to create a blockchain-based advertising platform that benefits both users and advertisers. Users can choose to view ads or not, and they can also choose which ads they want to see. BAT rewards can be used to donate to websites and content creators or can be exchanged for other cryptocurrencies.
- Livepeer: is a blockchain-based live streaming platform that allows users to stream live content and earn rewards in LPT cryptocurrency. The platform was launched in 2018 and is designed to be a decentralized alternative to existing live streaming providers like Twitch and YouTube Live. It operates as a network of decentralized nodes, where users can become live streamers and earn LPT by streaming content. Streamers can also be rewarded for helping scale the network by providing processing and storage capacity. To start using the Livepeer platform, users need to download and install the Livepeer application from their chosen platform, such as GitHub or Google Play. Then, they need to create an account and set up their camera and microphone. After that, they can start a live stream and begin earning LPT.
- PreSearch: is a blockchain-based decentralized search platform that was launched in 2017. The platform was created with the aim of providing a decentralized alternative to existing search engines like Google. The platform uses the blockchain-based token PRE to incentivize users to contribute to the platform, ensuring that search results are more accurate and relevant. Users can earn PRE simply by using the search engine and clicking on relevant results. Additionally, users can also earn PRE by contributing to the platform, such as adding new links, correcting existing links, and suggesting new keywords. To start using the PreSearch platform, users need to create a free account and download the browser extension. After that, they can use the search engine as usual and start earning rewards in PRE. They can also contribute to the platform, as mentioned earlier, to earn additional rewards.
- Steemit: is a blockchain-based social media platform that was launched in 2016. The platform allows users to create content and monetize that content through cryptocurrency rewards called Steem. The platform was created with the aim of providing a decentralized, blockchain-based alternative to traditional social networks like Facebook and Twitter. The platform uses the Steem blockchain to record and store all transactions and content created on the platform. The Steem blockchain is powered by three cryptocurrencies: Steem, Steem Power (SP), and Steem Dollars (SBD). Steem is the native cryptocurrency of the platform and is used to reward users for the content created and voted on the platform. SP is a form of cryptocurrency that users can acquire and use to give weight to their votes and influence the distribution of rewards on the platform. SBD is a stable form of cryptocurrency that is tied to the value of the US dollar and is used to ensure that rewards on the platform are stable.
- Nano: is a blockchain-based cryptocurrency that was launched in 2015 with the goal of providing a fast, scalable, and low-latency payment solution. The project originally started as RaiBlocks but was rebranded as Nano in 2018. Nano stands out from other cryptocurrencies due to its consensus protocol called "Voting Proof of Stake" (VpoS), which eliminates the need for mining and solves the scalability issue. Instead of having miners confirming transactions, users elect representatives to vote on transactions. Additionally, Nano utilizes the "block lattice" protocol, which is a tree-like data structure where each account has its own blockchain, called an "individual blockchain". This allows each transaction to be confirmed quickly and efficiently without the need for a large number of confirmations. Users can start using Nano by acquiring it on an exchange, storing it in a Nano-compatible wallet, and using it for transactions with other individuals or businesses that accept Nano.
Web 3.0
- Smart homes: Devices such as smart thermostats, motion sensors, and security cameras can be connected to the internet and controlled through a mobile or voice app. This allows users to adjust the temperature, lighting, and security of their homes from anywhere.
- Smart farming: IoT sensors and devices can be used on farms to monitor weather conditions, soil, and plants. This enables farmers to make better decisions about planting, cultivation, and harvesting.
- Smart cities: IoT can be used to monitor and manage a city's resources, such as public lighting, transportation, and traffic. This allows cities to be more efficient, safe, and sustainable.
- Industry 4.0: IoT devices can be used in factories to monitor and control equipment, improve production efficiency, and reduce downtime.
- Digital health: IoT devices such as activity tracking sensors, blood pressure monitors, and sleep tracking devices can be used to collect data about users' health and well-being and send it to healthcare professionals for analysis and monitoring.