The ever-evolving landscape of the internet has brought us from the static Web 1.0 to the interactive Web 2.0 and, more recently, the decentralised aspirations of Web 3.0. As technology hurtles forward, a speculative concept emerges on the digital horizon, Web4. This visionary concept, as defined by the European Commission (EC), represents a harmonious integration of artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, virtual worlds, and extended reality capabilities.

In the EC’s vision, Web4 is a testament to the relentless pursuit of innovation. However, as of now, details on the role of blockchain technology in Web4 remain shrouded in mystery. The EC’s statements on the matter need to be more specific, leaving us to wonder how much blockchain will play a role in this next iteration of the internet.
While the use of blockchain technology remains uncertain, the EC is committed to integrating virtual technologies in Web4. Extended Reality (XR), the amalgamation of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR), takes centre stage in this initiative, promising a new era of immersive digital experiences.
The European Commission is positioning itself at the forefront of this nascent form of the internet. In its March economic outlook beyond 2030, the EC hinted at ambitions to be the trailblazer in the Web4 frontier. To catalyse Web4 in the business realm, the EC has proposed the Partnership on Virtual Worlds under Horizon Europe, a program slated to commence in 2025. The program fosters research and development, crafting an industrial and technological roadmap for virtual worlds.

The EC’s commitment extends beyond research and development; it plans to support creators, media companies, developers, and industrial users within the European Union. Anticipating the importance of regulation, the EC emphasises collaboration with EU member states to proactively establish a regulatory framework, mirroring the approach taken with MiCA for crypto regulation.

Web4 isn’t merely a technological experiment; the EC sees its potential impact on public policy initiatives. Two noteworthy projects, CitiVerse and the European Virtual Human Twin, underscore the breadth of Web4’s reach. CitiVerse envisions an immersive urban environment for city planning and management. At the same time, the European Virtual Human Twin seeks to create a replica of the human body for medical and personal treatment.
The guidelines for Web4 were shaped in part by a panel in April, where 150 randomly selected European citizens provided recommendations on how to introduce the next phase of the internet reasonably and safely.
 

But what exactly is Web4?

As the internet community grapples with adopting Web3, some theorists are already fixated on the next horizon. Web4, according to proponents, envisions a decentralised web that seamlessly incorporates emerging technologies, promising an unparalleled internet user experience.
At its theoretical core, Web4 introduces two groundbreaking elements: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI). AI is anticipated to be pivotal in facilitating dynamic and adaptable machine-learning ecosystems. Web4 AI, akin to a universal ChatGPT, aims to enhance online experiences with personalisation and efficiency.

BCIs, on the other hand, take the concept of human-computer interaction to an entirely new level. These interfaces enable individuals to interact with computers using their thoughts, measuring brain activity and translating it into actionable commands. While undeniably fascinating, BCIs raise ethical questions and concerns about security and health risks.

The concept of the Metaverse, a virtual reality space for immersive experiences and interactions with digital content, has been introduced previously. However, Web4 seeks to expand the Metaverse, offering new possibilities through blockchain-powered virtual assets. This expansion mirrors capabilities already present in the Web3 world, raising questions about the proper distinctions between the two.

Is Web4 merely an extension of Web3, or does it represent a quantum leap in internet evolution? The debate intensifies as some argue that Web4, spearheaded by figures like Anndy Lian, is more decentralised than its predecessor. Lian asserts that Web4 aims to create decentralised applications (dApps) running on decentralised infrastructure, eliminating the need for intermediaries and centralised control.

Yet, sceptics question whether the distinctions between Web3 and Web4 are significant. Web3, with its focus on decentralised applications and user ownership of data, shares goals with the emerging Web4 narrative.

As discussions swirl around the promises and potential pitfalls of Web4, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons objectively. The anticipated advantages include enhanced user experiences, improved efficiency through AI-powered automation, and expanded cryptocurrency possibilities. However, scalability challenges, security concerns, and ethical implications are potential drawbacks, particularly with AI and BCIs.
Amid these discussions, Twitter creator and Bitcoin advocate Jack Dorsey takes a bold step forward. While the crypto world grapples with the implications of Web4, Dorsey is already crafting Web5, an even more decentralised internet built on the Bitcoin blockchain.

As we stand on the precipice of Web4, questions abound. Is it a mere extension of Web3, or does it hold the keys to a genuinely revolutionary internet experience? The answers remain speculative, and only time will reveal the true nature and impact of Web4 on the future of the internet.

In a world that moves at the speed of technology, the journey into the next frontier of the internet is as exhilarating as it is uncertain. Web4 beckons and the digital pioneers are poised for the challenge.