What is Web4 and what is the EU's Web4 strategy?

When discussing the history of the development of the Internet, it is generally divided into several stages: Web1.0 and Web2.0. For the future, after Web2.0, Web3.0 and Web4.0 have become new concepts and development trends that have generated widespread interest. In this context, the European Union has also proposed its own Web4 strategy. This article will briefly present the significance of Web4, analyze the EU's strategic thinking, and the challenges faced by regulation to guide the healthy development of Web4.

The definition of Web4.0

Web4.0 is a relatively new term that represents a new stage of the Internet after Web2.0 and Web3.0. Its precise definition is still evolving, but a certain consensus is emerging:

The era of Web 1.0 corresponds to the initial period of the Internet, where content is created by individuals but accessible to all. With the commercialization of the Internet and the advent of Web 2.0, content and platforms were primarily controlled by companies. This led to a high degree of centralization of the Internet. Blockchain and other technologies have fostered the decentralized wave of Web3.0. However, Web3.0 focuses too much on the technical aspect and presents barriers to accessibility for ordinary users. In contrast, Web4.0 will inherit the technology of Web3.0, focusing on user experience and social influence.

Key Features of Web 4.0

Web 4.0 has several essential characteristics:

• Users control their own data and privacy.
• A decentralized network and a blockchain-based platform.
• A token economy and an economic incentive mechanism.
• A platform to protect the rights of content creators.
• Strengthening network security and preventing hacking and counterfeiting.
• Encouraging positive participation from the user community.
• Users collectively participate in the governance infrastructure.

Overall, Web4.0 represents the direction of the evolution of the Internet. A transformation towards a more open and decentralized network where power is distributed among end users and communities.

Differences between Web3 and Web4

As a new stage of the Internet after Web2.0, Web3.0 and Web4 present the following main differences:

1. The focus is different: Web3 places more emphasis on decentralization and blockchain technology. Web4 focuses more on enhancing user experience and social influence than Web3.

2. The technical means differ: Web3 relies on new technologies such as blockchain and cryptocurrencies. Web4, built on Web3 technology, pays more attention to technical means such as semantic web and artificial intelligence.

3. The value propositions are different: Web3.0 aims to establish decentralized networks and applications. Web4 focuses more on the ability for ordinary users to participate and truly benefit.

4. The implementation stages differ: Web3 is still at the preliminary experimental stage and many issues need to be resolved. Web4 is a future vision built on Web3.

5. The economic models are different: The economic models of Web3 are mainly based on tokens and crypto-economics. Web4 can be combined with traditional models to achieve sustainable profitability.

6. Regulatory attitudes differ: Web3 tends to be anti-regulatory and liberal. Web4 is more likely to face varying degrees of government regulation.

7. Risk control is different: Web3 prefers to transfer risks to code control. Web4 pays more attention to the corporate social responsibility of platform companies.

Overall, Web4 has a broader coverage, more ambitious goals, and ideals than Web3 and represents the general direction of Internet development. However, from a technological maturity perspective, Web3 is still at an advanced stage.

The EU Web4 Strategy

In the face of the advent of the Web 4.0 era, the European Union has also presented its own response strategies.

The EU's Web4 strategy has the following characteristics:

1. Be careful and attentive to the privacy and security risks of Web3.0.
2. Tendency to implement some supervision in Web4 rather than complete laissez-faire.
3. Learn lessons from the Web2.0 era and guide Web4 on the right path through standards.
4. Protect children and communities from harmful content.
5. Strengthen oversight by platform companies of user-generated content.
6. Implement a real name authentication system to ensure content traceability.
7. Promote user control over their data.
8. Find a balance between encouraging innovation and managing risks.
9. Fully take into account the requests of the different stakeholders.
10. Promote a responsible and sustainable digital environment.

Challenges of the EU Web4 Regulation

Without a doubt, the EU will face several challenges in guiding Web 4.0 through regulation:

1. There are differences within the EU regarding emerging technologies such as Web3 and the Metaverse, but overall, they are cautious.

2. The EU believes that Web3 focuses too much on the technology itself and does not take into account potential risks or social impacts.

3. The EU hopes to guide the development of Web4 through regulation and avoid issues such as user privacy, child safety, and hate speech.

4. The European Union is developing a new law on digital services that will require Internet and social media companies to take on greater responsibility.

5. The EU's strategy is to learn from the Web2 era and not let history repeat itself.

6. The EU measure can affect the regulatory direction of Web3 and Web4 in other countries around the world.

7. The challenges facing the EU include reconciling different national interests and the uncertainties generated by technological development.

8. The EU hopes to find a balance between encouraging innovation and controlling risks.

Overall, the EU is more concerned about potential issues and the social impact of Web3 than technology companies, and therefore tends to actively intervene and guide the development of Web4 at the regulatory level.

Although there is still a long way to go, it is predictable that a change in the new regulatory order of the digital economy is in the making. The EU's experience will also serve as an important reference for Web4 regulation in other countries and regions of the world. Let us pay attention to this new revolution of the Internet.