Web4 is here: How is the European Union learning from the lessons of Web3?

The evolution of the internet has been a journey from Web1.0’s free content to Web2.0’s platform monopolies, and now to Web3’s extreme decentralization—each step addressing the issues of the previous one. Now, it’s Web4’s turn.

Web4 ≠ an upgraded version of Web3; it’s a “human-centered transformation”

If Web3 is a utopia for tech enthusiasts (decentralization, everything on-chain), then Web4 aims to make this technology accessible to “ordinary people.” Simply put:

• Web3’s dilemma: Overly obsessed with blockchain tech, resulting in poor user experience that confuses most people (a YouGov survey shows only 8% claim to understand Web3)
• Web4’s vision: A fusion of AI + IoT + blockchain + virtual worlds, focusing on user experience and community value

The key difference: Web3 believes “code is law,” while Web4 emphasizes “considering human factors.”

How is the EU approaching Web4? In one sentence: cautious but not banning

The EU learned from its mistakes during Web2 (where big tech companies ran amok). This time, they’re playing it smart. Their Web4 strategy includes:

1. Proactive regulation: Not waiting for technology to develop passively but guiding its direction through laws
2. Privacy first: User data sovereignty, real-name systems, content traceability
3. Protecting the vulnerable: Child safety, anti-hate speech measures, platform accountability
4. Balancing innovation and risk control: Encouraging technological progress while maintaining bottom-line boundaries

The underlying logic is clear: prevent Web4 from repeating Web2’s mistakes—being hijacked by a few platform giants.

The real challenges the EU faces

While the plan sounds promising, execution is complex:

• Member states have differing attitudes toward new tech, making unified policies difficult
• How to strike the right balance between “protecting innovation” and “controlling risks”
• The new Digital Services Act (DSA) requires platforms to take on more responsibility—could this stifle innovation?
• EU regulations might set global standards, with far-reaching impacts

Why should we care?

The EU’s moves on Web4 will influence the global tech ecosystem. If their approach succeeds, other countries and regions are likely to follow. This means the future internet won’t be “completely unregulated” or “fully controlled,” but rather a decentralized web with clear rules.

For Web3 practitioners, this presents both challenges and opportunities—projects that adapt to regulatory frameworks will have a better chance of thriving.