Welcome to Web3: The Internet You Can Own

If you’ve heard the term Web3 and wondered what it really means, you’re not alone. The concept has been making headlines, attracting startups, and gaining the attention of policymakers—and it’s reshaping how we think about the internet.

Let’s break it down, plain and simple.

What is Web3?

Web3 is the next version of the internet—one where you own your data, your digital identity, and even your money.

In today’s world (Web2), platforms like Facebook, Google, or Amazon offer “free” services, but in return, they collect and control your data. You can’t move it, monetize it, or opt out.

Web3 flips that model.

Instead of companies owning the platform, you own your slice of the web. It uses a technology called blockchain to create decentralized systems—systems where users, not corporations, are in control.

How Does Web3 Work?

At the heart of Web3 are three key ideas:

Ownership: You can own digital money (like Bitcoin) or assets (like art or land) through tokens.
Decentralization: No single company controls the system. Power is shared among users.
Privacy: You can prove things (like your identity or asset ownership) without giving up personal data.

Think of it as the difference between renting a home (Web2) and owning property (Web3).

Real-Life Examples of Web3

Digital Wallets let you send and receive money without a bank.
DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations) let you join online communities where members vote on decisions.
NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) give you ownership of unique digital items like art, music, or even real estate records.

Why It Matters

Web3 isn’t just about tech—it’s about freedom and control. It opens doors for innovation in:

Finance (no banks needed)
Governance (shared decision-making)
Energy (smart usage and rewards for efficient practices)
Identity (your data, your choice)

At In2edge, we see a major opportunity to support organizations ready to explore this future responsibly—especially right here in Texas, where policy and innovation are meeting head-on.

Key Acronyms You’ll See in Web3

Here’s your starter set of terms. You don’t need to memorize them—just get familiar.

DAO: Decentralized Autonomous Organization – An online community that runs on code, where decisions are made by members. Some states allow a DAO to form an LLC (more on this later).
KYC: Know Your Customer – Identity verification used by financial platforms.
AML: Anti-Money Laundering – Laws to prevent illegal use of digital money.
NFT: Non-Fungible Token – A unique digital asset (like art or music).
DeFi: Decentralized Finance – Financial services without banks or middlemen.
CBDC: Central Bank Digital Currency – A government-issued digital currency (which many in Web3 oppose due to privacy concerns).
PoW / PoS: Proof of Work / Proof of Stake – Ways to validate blockchain transactions. PoW uses energy (like Bitcoin), PoS uses ownership (like Ethereum).
DID: Decentralized Identifier – A self-owned digital identity.
UCC: Uniform Commercial Code – U.S. business law being updated to handle digital assets like crypto.

What’s Next?

In this newsletter series, we’ll explore:

How businesses are transitioning from Web2 to Web3
What policies matter for digital assets
How In2edge is helping companies take the leap—without getting lost

Web3 isn’t just a trend—it’s a movement. And you’re early. Stay tuned as we continue breaking it down, one step at a time.