Recently, I find myself reflecting on how the European Union is charting a very different path from the rest of the world when it comes to the future of the Internet. While many are still discussing Web3, the EU has already looked ahead to Web 4.0, proposing a strategic vision that deserves attention.

To understand what we’re talking about, it’s helpful to trace the journey: Web 1.0 was the period when content was created by a few and accessible to many. Then came Web 2.0, where large corporate platforms took control of everything. Web 3.0 aimed to overturn this with decentralization and blockchain, but it remains very technical and not very accessible to the general public.

This is where Web 4.0 comes into play. It’s not just a technical evolution but a shift in perspective. While Web3 focuses on the technology itself, Web 4.0 emphasizes the end-user experience. Imagine a network where you truly control your data, where creators are genuinely protected, where there is a real incentive economy, and where the community actively participates in decision-making. This is the overall picture.

The differences between Web3 and Web 4.0 are substantial. Web3 is still experimental and pushes for an anti-regulation approach. Web 4.0, on the other hand, is a vision built on Web3 but with broader ambitions: it integrates artificial intelligence, IoT, extended reality, not just blockchain. Additionally, while Web3 relies entirely on code, Web 4.0 recognizes the importance of social responsibility of platforms.

Now, the EU’s move is interesting. The European Commission has published its Web4 plan, and the message is clear: we want to lead this development, not just let it happen. The EU is cautious about the privacy and security risks seen with Web3 and wants to avoid repeating the mistakes of Web 2.0, when big tech companies took full control.

The European strategy includes concrete measures: real-name authentication for traceability, child protection, supervision of user-generated content, control of personal data. A YouGov-Consensys survey found that only 8% of people truly understand the concept of Web3, so the EU is trying to build a more inclusive and responsible version with Web 4.0.

But it’s not all straightforward. The EU faces significant challenges: balancing innovation and risk control, reconciling the interests of different member states, managing technological uncertainty. And there’s another issue: the EU’s decisions on Web 4.0 will influence how other countries approach this topic.

Personally, I find it fascinating how Europe is trying to learn from past lessons. It doesn’t want Web 4.0 to become another arena where a few mega-corporations dominate everything. It’s trying to chart a path where innovation continues but with responsibility. It’s a huge challenge, but the fact that these considerations are already underway signals that a new order of digital regulation is taking shape. It’s worth paying close attention to how this story unfolds.