Web2 and Web3
Web2 is the internet as we know it today — platforms and apps like social media, e-commerce, and online services. Most data is stored on central servers owned by companies. Users interact through web browsers and apps, but control of the platform stays with the provider.
Web3 is the next phase of the internet, powered by blockchain technology. It focuses on decentralisation, giving users ownership of their data, digital assets, and identities. Instead of relying on a single company, it uses peer-to-peer networks and smart contracts.
Difference between Web2.0 & Web3.0
Control
Controlled by companies
Controlled by users and communities
Data Storage
Centralize Servers
Decentralized on blockchain
Payments
Traditional banks, payment gateways
Cryptocurrencies, smart contracts
Security
Company-managed
Blockchain-based, tamper-resistant
Identity
Email/password accounts
Blockchain wallets & keys
Centralisation vs Decentralisation
Web2.0 is more about centralised systems that work like a hub-and-spoke model — one central authority manages and controls everything, while Web3.0 is all decentralised systems, working like a web — no single point of control, and decisions are made collectively by the network.
Centralized Systems vs Decentralized Systems
Information travels quickly because a single authority handles it with powerful resources. vs Information may take longer to spread, as it passes through multiple participants.
Higher performance and easier to build. vs Lower performance and more complex to set up.
Conflicts are easy to resolve — the central authority decides. vs Requires special protocols to resolve disputes between participants.
Single point of failure — if the central authority is attacked, the whole network can go down. vs No single point of failure — the network keeps working even if many participants are attacked.
Easy to coordinate updates and changes — the central authority can enforce them. vs Harder to coordinate updates — disagreements can split the network.
The central authority can censor or block participants. vs Censorship is difficult because data can travel many paths.
Participation is controlled by the central authority (gatekeeping). vs Anyone can join — no gatekeepers, low barriers to entry.
These points describe general trends, not absolute rules. In practice, most networks exist on a spectrum — very few are 100% centralised or 100% decentralised. The balance often depends on the network’s design, purpose, and governance.
Advantages of Web3
(Ownership – You control your data and assets.
Transparency – All transactions are visible on the blockchain.
Security – Tamper-proof and resistant to hacks.
No Middlemen – Direct interactions between users.
Global Access – Anyone with internet can participate.
Limitations of Web3
Slower transaction speeds compared to Web2.
High network fees in some cases.
Requires technical knowledge to use.
Limited scalability for mass adoption.
Overcoming Web3 Limitations with Web2 + Web3
By combining Web2 and Web3, we can keep the speed, scalability, and ease of Web2, while adding the ownership, transparency, and security of Web3. This hybrid model makes blockchain-powered applications faster, cheaper, and easier for everyone to use. This topic is explored further in Hybrid Dapps Development.
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