When we talk about the development history of the Internet, we usually divide it into several stages: Web1.0 and Web2.0. Looking to the future, after Web2.0, Web3.0 and Web4.0 have become new concepts and development trends that have attracted widespread attention. Among them, the European Union has also proposed its own Web4 strategy. This article will briefly introduce the meaning of Web4, analyze the EU's strategic thinking, and the challenges faced by regulatory guidance for the healthy development of Web4.
What is Web 4.0?
Web4.0 is a relatively new term that represents the new stage of the Internet after Web2.0 and Web3.0. Its exact definition is still evolving, but some consensus has emerged:
The Web1.0 era was the initial period of the Internet, when content was created by individuals but accessible to anyone. When the Internet became commercialized, the Web2.0 era arrived, when content and platforms were mainly controlled by enterprises. This led to a high degree of centralization of the Internet. Technologies such as blockchain have promoted the decentralized Web3.0 wave. However, Web3.0 focuses too much on the technical level and has obstacles to accessibility for ordinary users. In contrast, Web4.0 will inherit the technology of Web3.0 while focusing on user experience and social influence.
Some of the key features of Web 4.0 include:
- Users control their own data and privacy
- Blockchain-based decentralized network and platform
- Token economy and economic incentive mechanism
- A platform that protects the rights of content creators
- Strengthen network security and prevent piracy and counterfeiting
- Encourage active user community participation
- Infrastructure governance is collectively participated in by users
In general, Web4.0 represents the evolution direction of the Internet, transforming to a more open and decentralized network, with power delegated to end users and communities.
What are the differences between Web3 and Web4?
As the new stage of the Internet after web2, web3 and web4 have the following main differences:
1. Different emphasis - Web3 places more emphasis on decentralization and blockchain technology. Web4 focuses more on improving user experience and social influence than Web3.
2. Different technical means - Web3 relies on new technologies such as blockchain and cryptocurrency. Web4 is based on Web3 technology and pays more attention to technical means such as semantic web and artificial intelligence.
3. Different value propositions - Web3 pursues the establishment of decentralized networks and applications. Web4 is more concerned with getting ordinary users involved and truly benefiting.
4. Different implementation stages - Web3 is still in the early experimental stage, and there are many problems to be solved. Web4 is a future vision built on the basis of Web3.
5. Different business models - Web3 business models are mostly based on tokens and crypto-economy. Web4 can combine traditional models to pursue sustainable profits.
6. Different regulatory attitudes - Web3 tends to be anti-regulatory and liberal. Web4 is more likely to face varying degrees of government regulation.
7. Different risk control - Web3 is more inclined to let the risk be controlled by code. Web4 is more concerned about the social responsibility of platform companies.
In general, Web4 has a wider coverage than Web3, and its goals are more ambitious and idealistic, representing the general direction of Internet development. However, in terms of technical maturity, Web3 is still in the leading stage.
The EU’s Web4 strategy
The European Commission is looking to move beyond Web3 in favor of the so-called Web4 plan released Tuesday that says little about how blockchain will work. The commission’s Web4 nomenclature has been welcomed as the public has been trying to focus attention on Web3. A June survey by YouGov and Consensys found that 8% of people considered themselves familiar with the concept.
The European Commission (EC) defines Web4 as the convergence of artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, blockchain, virtual worlds and extended reality capabilities.
Facing the advent of the Web 4.0 era, the European Union has also proposed its own response strategy.
The EU's Web4 strategy has the following characteristics:
1. Be cautious and vigilant about the privacy and security risks of Web3.0.
2. Tend to impose certain supervision on Web4 rather than letting it run its course completely.
3. Learn from the lessons of the Web2.0 era and guide Web4 onto the right track through standardization.
4. Protect children and the community from harmful content.
5. Strengthen platform companies’ supervision of user-generated content.
6. Implement a real-name authentication system to ensure content traceability.
7. Promote users’ control over their own data.
8. Find a balance between encouraging innovation and managing risks.
9. Fully consider the demands of different stakeholders.
10. Promote the building of a responsible and sustainable digital environment.
The Challenges of EU Web4 Regulation
The EU will undoubtedly face various challenges in guiding Web 4.0 through regulation:
There are differences within the EU on emerging technologies such as Web3 and the Metaverse, but overall the EU is cautious.
The EU believes that Web3 focuses too much on the technology itself without considering potential risks and social impacts.
The EU hopes to guide the development of Web4 through regulation to avoid issues such as user privacy, child safety, and hate speech.
The European Union is drafting a new digital services law that would require internet and social media companies to take greater responsibility.
The EU’s strategy is to learn from the lessons of the Web2 era and prevent history from repeating itself.
The EU’s move may influence the regulatory direction of Web3 and Web4 in other countries around the world.
The challenges facing the EU include reconciling the interests of different countries and the uncertainties brought about by technological development.
The EU hopes to find a balance between encouraging innovation and controlling risks.
In general, the EU is more concerned about the potential problems and social impacts of Web3 than technology companies, and therefore tends to actively intervene and guide the development of Web4 from a regulatory perspective.
Although there is still a long way to go, we can foresee that a new order of regulation of the digital economy is brewing. The EU's experience will also serve as an important reference for Web4 regulation in other countries and regions around the world. Let us pay attention to this new Internet revolution together.