A Quick Guide to Understanding the EU’s New Concept of Web4

Quick Guide to the EU's Web4 Concept The EU has introduced a new concept called Web4, which is the fourth generation of the internet. Web4 is based on decentralization and privacy, making it more difficult for governments and corporations to access and control user data. Web4 uses blockchain technology, allowing for secure and immutable transactions and data storage. It has the potential to revolutionize the internet in many ways, such as providing greater privacy and security for internet users, more control over personal data, and decentralization of power from governments and corporations. Web4 is an exciting new concept that has the potential to transform the internet and improve the lives of internet users around the world.

Author: claude; Blocking, Shannoba;

Reference source: Alessandro Adami “European Commission looks to the future and proposes development of Web4 technologies”

When we talk about the development history of the Internet, it is usually divided into several stages such as Web1.0 and Web2.0. Looking to the future, Web3.0 and Web4.0 have become new concepts and development trends that are widely concerned after Web2.0. Among them, the European Union has also put forward its own Web4 strategy. This article will briefly introduce the meaning of Web4, and analyze the EU’s strategic thinking.

What is Web4.0?

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Web4.0 is a relatively new term that represents a new stage of the Internet after Web2.0 and Web3.0. Its exact definition is still evolving, but there is already some consensus:

The Web1.0 era was the initial period of the Internet, and the content was created by individuals but could be accessed by anyone. After the commercialization of the Internet, the Web2.0 era arrived, and the content and platforms were mainly controlled by enterprises. This led to a highly centralized Internet. Technologies such as blockchain have promoted the decentralized Web3.0 wave. However, Web3.0 is too focused on the technical level and there are barriers to accessibility for ordinary users. In contrast, Web4.0 will inherit the technology of Web3.0 while focusing on user experience and social impact.

Some of the main features of Web4.0 include:

– Users control their own data and privacy

– Blockchain-based decentralized networks and platforms

– Token economy and incentive mechanism

– Platforms that protect the rights and interests of content creators

– Strengthen network security and prevent piracy and counterfeiting

– Encourage positive and active user community participation

– Infrastructure is collectively governed by users

Overall, Web4.0 represents the evolution direction of the Internet. Transforming towards a more open and decentralized network, with power delegated to end users and communities.

What is the difference between Web3 and Web4?

As new stages of the Internet after Web2, Web3 and Web4 have the following main differences:

• Emphasis on different points-Web3 emphasizes decentralization and blockchain technology. Web4 is more concerned with improving user experience and social impact than Web3.

• Different technical means-Web3 relies on new technologies such as blockchain and cryptocurrency. Web4, based on Web3 technology, pays more attention to semantic web, artificial intelligence and other technical means.

• Different value propositions-Web3 seeks to establish a decentralized network and application. Web4 is more concerned with enabling ordinary users to participate and truly benefit from it.

• Different landing stages-Web3 is still in the early experimental stage, and there are many problems to be solved. Web4 is a future vision based on Web3.

• Different business models-Web3 business models are mostly based on tokens and encrypted economy. Web4 can combine traditional models and pursue sustainable profits.

• Different regulatory attitudes-Web3 tends to be anti-regulatory and liberalized. Web4 is more likely to face different degrees of government regulation.

• Different risk control-Web3 is more inclined to hand over risks to code control. Web4 pays more attention to the social responsibility of platform enterprises.

• Balancing the interests of different countries

There are differences in attitudes towards Web3 and Web4 within the European Union, with Germany and France supporting openness and Eastern European countries being more conservative. Coordinating conflicting interests among different countries in areas such as privacy and content censorship is a challenge.

• Dealing with rapid technological change

Emerging technologies in Web4 iterate rapidly, and regulation needs to be updated in a timely manner to keep up with technological changes. However, regulation itself takes time to revise, and how to deal with the uncertainty brought by technology is a challenge for the European Union.

• Building a competitive environment

The European Union currently does not have large technology companies leading Web4 and needs to establish mechanisms to prevent innovation achievements and talent loss. How to cultivate its own technological ecology is a challenge for the European Union.

Overall, the European Union 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, it can be foreseen that a new revolution in regulating the digital economy is brewing. The experience of the European Union will also play an important reference role in the regulation of Web4 in other countries and regions around the world. Let us pay attention together to this new Internet revolution.

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