While Web 2.0 introduced social interaction, user-generated content sharing and collaborative web applications, the concept of Web 3.0 focuses on data semantics, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies such as virtual reality and augmented reality. It aims to create a more intelligent, personalized and interactive Web experience, whose main features are openness, decentralization, and user full empowerment.
That said, some experts and futurists have begun to imagine a possible future of the Web that is already being called Web 4.0. This hypothetical evolution could include concepts such as the increasing integration of artificial intelligence into the web, the Internet of Things (IoT) extended to new levels, the integration of virtual and augmented reality technologies into the web, greater personalization and adaptation of user experiences, and the creation of more immersive and interactive web environments.
This is a step beyond the currently developing third generation of the internet, Web 3.0, and that’s why, with a Communication of July 11, 2023, the Commission has proposed “a new strategy on Web 4.0 and virtual worlds to steer the next technological transition and ensure an open, secure, trustworthy, fair and inclusive digital environment for EU citizens, businesses and public administrations”.
First of all, it is interesting to look at how the EU defines Web 3.0 and Web 4.0. In the Commission’s words:
“Web 3.0 is the third generation of the World Wide Web. Its main features are openness, decentralisation, and users’ full empowerment enabling them to control and realise the economic value of their data, manage their online identities and participate in governing the web. Semantic web capabilities allow linking data across webpages, applications and files. Decentralised technologies and digital twins enable peer-to-peer transactions, transparency, data democracy and innovation along entire value chains.
Web 4.0 is the expected fourth generation of the World Wide Web. Using advanced artificial and ambient intelligence, the internet of things, trusted blockchain transactions, virtual worlds and XR capabilities, digital and real objects and environments are fully integrated and communicate with each other, enabling truly intuitive, immersive experiences, seamlessly blending the physical and digital worlds”.
With this strategy the European Union aims to leverage its Single Market, diverse culture, creative content, strong industrial base, excellence in research, innovation and education, and robust legislative framework to drive Europe’s leadership, competitiveness, and technological sovereignty in the field of Web 4.0. The EU also has a robust, future-oriented legislative framework that already applies to several aspects of the development of virtual worlds and Web 4.0. Additionally, the EU is working to bring Member States together to share common approaches and best practices on the development of virtual worlds and the wider technological transition to Web 4.0. Finally, the EU is emphasizing the need to ensure that virtual worlds are designed as open and interoperable from the outset to enable true user empowerment and diverse participation, including of under-represented groups, which in turn can foster innovation, collaboration, and creativity.
To this end, the EU strategy on Web 4.0 and virtual worlds establishes four key pillars of digitalization (skills, business, public services, and infrastructures) and rolls out in 10 actions aimed at addressing the challenges while creating opportunities for people, businesses, and public services. These actions include developing a Virtual worlds Toolbox for citizens, launching a European partnership under Horizon Europe, and supporting a public flagship for smart and sustainable cities and communities (the “Citiverse”).
Header image created with DALL.E 2. Prompt: “Web 4.0 is the expected fourth generation of the World Wide Web. Using advanced artificial and ambient intelligence, the internet of things, trusted blockchain transactions, virtual worlds and XR capabilities, digital and real objects and environments are fully integrated and communicate with each other, enabling truly intuitive, immersive experiences, seamlessly blending the physical and digital worlds“.
