Web4: The next evolution of the Internet that the EU is already preparing

Forget Web3 for a moment. While the majority of people are still struggling to understand blockchain, the European Union is already preparing for the next step: Web4.

What is Web4?

While Web1 was the reading Web ( of individually created content ), Web2 concentrated power in the hands of tech giants (Meta, Google, Amazon ). Web3 tried to break this with blockchain, but remained too technical for the average person.

Web4 arrives with a simple promise: to take the technology of Web3, but with a focus on user experience and social impact. Imagine platforms where:

• You really control your data
• Content creators are protected and fairly compensated
• Security and community governance are at the heart of the system
• AI and IoT run in the background without spying on you

Web3 vs Web4: The Real Differences

Basically, Web3 is the revolutionary shouting “No government!”, Web4 is the pragmatist saying “Okay, but how do we do this responsibly?”

The EU's Web4 Strategy

The European Commission unveiled its Web4 plan last week. And it's quite ambitious:

It aims for the convergence of : AI + IoT + Blockchain + Virtual worlds + Extended reality

But with a cautious approach :

1. Zero tolerance for privacy/security risks
2. Mandatory real authentication system (total traceability)
3. Clear responsibility of platforms for user-generated content
4. Enhanced protection of minors
5. Users' rights over their data as a top priority

The traps that the EU wants to avoid

The EU looks at Web2 in the rearview mirror and sees the carnage: stolen data, toxic algorithms, monopolies. It has no desire for this to happen again at the Web4 scale.

The real challenges :

• Differences of opinion among member states on blockchain
• Find the balance between innovating and managing risks
• Avoid EU regulation stifling innovation
• Manage the divergent interests of all stakeholders

Why is it important?

Honestly, the EU's position will define how Web4 develops around the world. If Europe imposes strict standards, other countries will likely follow.

Now is the right time to pay attention to what is coming. Web4 is not just technological hype—it is a fundamental debate about who should control the Internet in the 21st century.