How Web4 Redefines the Future of the Internet: The European Union's Regulatory Strategy

The history of the Internet is a series of transformations. From Web 1.0 with its one-way communication, through Web 2.0 dominated by tech giants, to today’s discussions about Web 3.0 with its promise of decentralization. Now, the question arises: what’s next? The European Union is already preparing an answer in the form of Web 4.0 — a concept that goes far beyond blockchain technology. It’s not just another stage but a potential shift in how we develop the digital world.

Web4 is more than advanced technology

The European Commission defines Web4 as a synthesis of several key technologies: artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, blockchain, virtual worlds, and augmented reality. However, this technical perspective is just the beginning. Web4 represents a new paradigm where users gain real control over their data and digital identity.

Unlike Web 2.0, where platforms controlled access and content distribution, Web4 aims to introduce a token economy and mechanisms of economic incentives. Users will be able to directly benefit from their data and creativity. The platform will protect creators’ rights while ensuring transparency and security through distributed technology.

Key features of Web4 include:

• User as owner — control over personal data and privacy
• Decentralized infrastructure based on blockchain
• Economic incentives for network participants
• Protection against piracy and counterfeiting through secure verification
• Community-managed infrastructure
• Active involvement in decision-making processes

Why Web4 differs from Web3: Seven key differences

The emergence of Web4 doesn’t mean Web3 is irrelevant — rather, it shows an evolution in thinking about the future of the internet. The differences are fundamental:

1. Different priorities. Web3 focuses on blockchain technology and decentralization as goals in themselves. Web4, on the other hand, emphasizes user experience and tangible social benefits derived from technology.

2. Technical scope. While Web3 mainly relies on blockchain and cryptocurrencies, Web4 integrates artificial intelligence, semantic networks, and the Internet of Things. This makes Web4 much more versatile in application.

3. Value model. Web3 aims to build decentralized networks. Web4 is centered on including ordinary users and providing them with real benefits from the digital economy.

4. Development stage. Web3 is still experimental with many unresolved issues. Web4 is a future vision built on the foundation of Web3 but refined and ready for broader deployment.

5. Business models. Web3 primarily relies on tokens and crypto-economics. Web4 combines traditional business models with decentralized elements, creating a hybrid approach for sustainable growth.

6. Regulatory approach. Web3 has traditionally had an anti-regulatory stance. Web4 will likely be subject to various regulatory frameworks, especially at the EU level.

7. Risk management. Web3 expects code to regulate behavior itself. Web4 places greater emphasis on corporate social responsibility and implemented protective mechanisms.

Overall, Web4 aims to be broader than Web3. Its goals are more holistic, reflecting practical challenges faced by the current internet.

EU’s plan for Web4: From caution to innovation

The European Commission is not waiting passively. In recent years, the EU has proposed a comprehensive strategy for Web4 that balances innovation support with risk management. This strategy directly stems from Web2.0 experiences, where tech companies gained profits while social costs blurred.

The EU approach to Web4 is characterized by several main pillars:

Vigilance against threats. The EU remains cautious about privacy and security issues related to new technologies, including Web3.0. This doesn’t mean blocking innovation but implementing smart safeguards.

Standardization instead of suppression. Rather than banning Web4, the EU aims to steer it through standards and regulations. Lessons from Web2.0 showed that lack of regulation leads to monopolization and exploitation of users.

Protection of vulnerable groups. Special focus on safeguarding children and vulnerable communities from harmful content. This requires strengthening platform companies’ oversight of user-generated content.

Identity verification. The EU is considering authentication systems using real names to ensure traceability and accountability for content — a controversial step but promoted in the name of security.

User data rights. Protecting user control over their own data, which is central to Web4 philosophy.

Joint decision-making. The EU involves various stakeholders — technologists, regulators, consumer organizations — in shaping the direction of Web4 in Europe.

Regulatory challenges: How the EU guides Web4 on a safe path

The road to implementing the EU’s vision of Web4 isn’t straightforward. The European Commission and individual member states face significant challenges:

Internal discrepancies. While the EU shows collective caution toward Web3 and the metaverse, approaches vary among countries. Some are more progressive, others more conservative. Finding common ground requires compromises.

Technical chaos of Web3. The EU recognizes that Web3 focuses too heavily on technology, neglecting social consequences. Web4 should be more “human” — but how to achieve this in practice remains an open question.

Balancing innovation and security. Overly strict regulations could stifle innovation and push European projects elsewhere. Too lax rules risk repeating Web2.0 mistakes. The EU must find the golden mean.

Global impact. EU decisions on Web4 will influence regulatory landscapes worldwide. This increases the importance of each step but also the responsibility.

Technological uncertainty. The rapid development of AI, IoT, and other Web4 technologies outpaces regulatory processes. How to craft laws for evolving tech is still uncertain.

Stakeholder interests. International corporations, startups, consumer organizations, activists — all have different visions of Web4. Reconciling these interests requires dialogue, not just regulation.

Web4 in perspective: Between promise and reality

The EU still has a long way to go to finalize its Web4 strategy. However, the intent is clear: Web4 should be more open than Web2.0 but more practical and responsible than Web3.0. It’s about actions that emphasize security, privacy, and tangible benefits for users.

The EU’s experience with Web4 will serve as a benchmark for the entire world. If the EU manages to create a framework that supports innovation without sacrificing citizens’ safety, other regions will want to emulate this model.

Web4 isn’t just the future — it’s a reality we are shaping now. The EU demonstrates initiative to make this reality more just, secure, and human-centered than previous internet iterations.