This is Part 1 of our series on the history of the world wide web (From Web1 to Web5). For further insights, check out Part 2 and Part 3.

Key Takeaways:

• Web 1.0 marked the web’s first phase, primarily designed for information sharing on a global scale. It was a read-only platform, enabling users to access information but not interact with it or input their data.
• Web 2.0, known as the “read-write” web, transformed the internet into an interactive space. It allowed users to not only consume but also contribute content, leading to the rise of social media platforms and user-generated content.
• As the limitations of Web 2.0 become apparent, discussions about its successor, whether Web 3.0 or Web 5.0, focus on decentralized data management to address the core issues of privacy and security.

Introduction to Web 1.0 and Web 2.0

The web is a miracle – digitizing information and making it available to the global audience is a revolution that changed the world forever. In the past, information was only accessible through the walls of libraries. However, beginning in the 1990s, people could access pieces of information using the internet – this new technology called “Web 1.0” laid the groundwork for other developments.

The web has become more sophisticated and interactive with different technologies and layers. In 2022, there were discussions about how Web 2.0 is getting outdated and a battle for the next web; will it be Web 3 or Web 5? To understand the future, let’s examine the history and evolution of the web.

What Is Web 1.0?

In its early stages, the World Wide Web wasn’t intended for widespread use; it was designed for scientists to exchange information globally. In 1989, Berners-Lee, a former CERN employee, wrote a proposal to develop this communication tool. During the process, he discovered that this communication channel had immense potential that could benefit everyone, not just scientists. In 1990, Robert Cailliau, a computer scientist, and Berners-Lee collaborated to create Web 1.0, laying the foundation for the future of the web.

Similar to physical books, the primary function of Web 1.0 is to pass on information. The sole purpose of the first generation of the web was to deliver information in a digital format; it functioned as a Content Delivery Network (CDN). Referred to as the “web of information” or the “read-only” web, it operated from 1989 to 2005. As a “read-only” platform, the web provided only information for consumers but didn’t allow users to interact with it or collect their personal information. In Web 1.0, information could be easily located using a global identifier known as a Uniform Resource Locator (URL).

What Is Web 2.0?

Web 2.0 is widely recognized as the “read-write” web, empowering users to both consume and contribute to hosted content, a stark contrast to Web 1.0’s static and non-interactive nature. It brought a natural death to Web 1.0, laying the foundation for numerous startups and innovative ideas. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are prime examples of the second generation of the web. Web 2.0 has transformed content consumers into active participants in shaping the web’s content. These social platforms have demonstrated the profound impact of user-generated content on online interactions.

Web technologies like JavaScript, AJAX frameworks, Adobe Flash, Microsoft Silverlight, and Eclipse enabled seamless interaction between the web and its users. Within a short time, mobile-friendly websites and apps gained widespread adoption, catering to the growing demand for internet-connected devices. Here are some prominent examples of how Web 2.0 is being utilized:

• Social Media (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
• Blogs (e.g., WordPress, Blogger)
• Web Applications (e.g., Google Docs, Trello)
• E-commerce Platforms (e.g., Amazon, eBay)
• Hosted Services (e.g., Google Maps, Dropbox)
• Podcasting Platforms (e.g., Spotify, Apple Podcasts)
• Opinion-based Polls (or voting))
• RSS-based Curation (e.g., Feedly)
• Video-sharing Platforms (e.g., YouTube, Vimeo)

What Are the Benefits of Web 2.0?

Web 2.0 has revolutionized the way we interact with the internet, offering numerous benefits that have transformed communication, collaboration, and education. Some of the key advantages of Web 2.0 include:

• Enhanced Socialization: Web 2.0 has broken down geographical barriers, allowing people from all over the world to connect and socialize effortlessly. Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have facilitated global connections, fostering meaningful interactions and communities.
• Real-Time Messaging: Web 2.0 has revolutionized communication, enabling real-time interactions that are more informal and spontaneous than traditional email. Instant messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal have become indispensable tools for personal and professional communication.
• Streamlined Collaboration: Web 2.0 has made collaboration more efficient and accessible. Online tools like Google Docs, Dropbox, and Trello enable seamless teamwork, allowing individuals to share files, work on projects together, and track progress remotely.
• Enhanced Online Education: Web 2.0 has transformed online education, providing a more interactive and engaging learning experience. Video conferencing platforms like Zoom and Google Meet have allowed students to interact with teachers and classmates in real-time, fostering a more dynamic learning environment.

The Disadvantages of Web 2.0

While Web 2.0 has brought about significant advancements in online interactions and collaboration, it also faces some inherent challenges that need to be addressed:

• Lack of Privacy: Web 2.0 relies on user accounts and data collection, which raises concerns about privacy. Many platforms demand personal information (PII), such as email addresses, phone numbers, and social media profiles. This data can be used for targeted advertising, profile building, and even identity theft.
• Centralization and Security Risks: The centralized nature of Web 2.0 platforms makes them vulnerable to cyberattacks. Hackers can gain access to vast amounts of personal data, potentially leading to identity theft, financial fraud, and reputational damage. In 2018, the Cambridge Analytica Scandal revealed that the analytic firm illegally obtained data from tens of millions of Facebook users. This illegal access and mishandling of users data highlighted the risks associated with centralized data storage.
• Misinformation and Fake News: The ease of creating and sharing content on Web 2.0 platforms has amplified the spread of misinformation and fake news. Unverified information can quickly spread virally, potentially causing confusion, panic, and even social unrest. An example of this was in 2013 when The Associated Press’ Twitter account was hacked. The hacker tweeted about an explosion at Whitehouse, saying President Obama was injured. This fake news created over $136 billion loss in the stock market within a few minutes. Even though it was fake news, the damage had already been done.
• Spam and Phishing Attacks: The interactive nature of Web 2.0 has made it easier for spammers and scammers to target users. Unsolicited messages, fake friend requests, and phishing links are prevalent on social media platforms, posing a threat to users’ privacy and finances.
• Fraudulent Activities: Web 2.0 platforms have also been used for fraudulent activities. Advertisers and developers have exploited user data for unauthorized purposes, such as manipulating advertising algorithms or defrauding users. These practices raise ethical and legal concerns.

Conclusion

Launched in the early 1990s as a modest project, the first generation of the Web, Web 1.0, revolutionized global information consumption. Since its transition to Web 2.0, there has been a substantial transformation across various sectors, profoundly impacting our daily lives.

However, Web 2.0 is not without its flaws, which necessitate ongoing enhancements in data handling and user interaction. Should these issues remain unresolved, a new phase of the Web with an alternative architecture may emerge to replace the current model.

At the heart of Web 2.0’s challenges is the centralized approach to data management. Issues like hacking and data theft are merely symptoms of a deeper issue – the centralization of user data. Decentralization emerges as a potential solution to these problems.

Identity.com

Identity.com, a future-oriented company, wants an internet where users experience true privacy. We help businesses to achieve this by giving their customers a hassle-free identity verification process. Identity.com is an open-source ecosystem providing access to on-chain and secure identity verification.

Our solutions improve the user experience and reduce onboarding friction through reusable and interoperable Gateway Passes. Please refer to our docs for more info about how we can help you with identity verification and general KYC processes.