The Next Step in the Evolution of the Internet

It’s easy to forget just how young the Internet is considering how pervasive it has become. In the short time the Internet has existed, it has undergone an evolution from an “Internet of information” to an “Internet of human interaction.” The Internet evolution may now be on the precipice of yet another profound change.

The Possible Profile of Web 3.0

A Smarter Web—The “Internet of things” will connect physical objects to the Internet, allowing these disparate tools and appliances to operate more efficiently and collaboratively. While the “Internet of things” today is associated with connecting household systems and appliances, this connectedness will eventually extend to our automobiles, health monitors and even money. A smarter Web also means that it is more automatic in the way it works with users by feeding customized information to users, rather than requiring the user to search for information.

• A Web of Data—Today, data resides with fixed-point sources. Tomorrow’s Internet will link together data across the universe of information, enabling more efficient and complex informational research.

• An Omnipresent Web—Instead of signing into Web connections as we move from one location to another, the Web will be a constantly streaming fixture wherever we may be, much like electricity is today.

• An Interplanetary Internet—To support future missions to Mars, communications to Earth will be via Web connections. If you think that’s a bit far-fetched, consider that the Internet already reaches the international space station. 

• A More Secure, More Private Web—The emergence of decentralized applications (dApps), which run on a network of computers rather than a single computer, may make the Internet less susceptible to hacking, more reliable and enhance user privacy.

• Less Wild West/Reduced American Influence—Since the advent of the Web, the Internet has been characterized by unimpeded organic change springing from users, as well as an American dominance of Internet governance of Web registrars and registries. Given its social and political impact, governing bodies such as the European Union (EU) are continuing to weigh in on Internet practices to defend its policy priorities, while countries like China look to participate in future global governance decisions.

Of course, it is possible that the Internet as we know it won’t exist a decade from now. The threat of cybercrime, loss of privacy, “fake news” and a growth that may overwhelm current infrastructure and operating protocols may threaten its very survival.  Unfortunately, whatever the powers of the Internet may be, knowing the future is not one of them.

See referenced disclosure (2) at https://blog-dev.americanportfolios.com/disclosures/