Technological transition: The EU in “conquistador” mode of Web 4.0 and virtual worlds

For the EU, it is better shorten the transition to Web3 and accelerate the entry into Web4. That’s why she keeps trumpeting that word. Recently, the European Union announced the refinement of its “strategy for Web 4.0 and virtual worlds”. And we’ll see what it’s all about.

Europe, Web4 and virtual worlds

If Jack Dorsey, the resigning CEO of Twitter, only has eyes for the Web5the European Union, it chose Web4 as the best replacement for Web2. In any case, Web 2.0 is completely obsolete. Everyone wants to put a cross on what is called the “participatory social Web”.

Last Tuesday in a statementthe EU issued a statement titled “ Towards the next technological transition: Commission presents EU strategy to be at the forefront of Web 4.0 and virtual worlds “.

The article in question highlights the willingness of the European Commission (EC) to highlight the ” EU values ​​and principles in these emerging technologies.

” We will invest in the adoption and extension of new technologies and give people the necessary tools and skills to use the virtual worlds safely and confidently“, specifies Thierry Breton, commissioner in charge of the internal market.

In its official announcement, the EC also spoke about its objectives:

• drive there ” next technological transition » ;
• guarantee a ” open, secure, trusted, fair and inclusive digital environment for EU citizens, businesses and public administrations “.

Use case

Thus, European citizens, businesses and public institutions are called upon to appropriate Web 4.0 and virtual worlds in the near future.

Citizens

There accountability people, the strengthening their skills and the creation of a “talent pool” of the metaverse become a priority for the EU. Step by step, the 27 will guide their population in new technologies. At least, two programs will be established on the occasion: “Digital Europe” and “Creative Europe”.

Companies

Referring to the Commission’s strategy, European companies are invited to switch to the Web4. And at the same time, they are encouraged to work on the global regulatory standards. To support them, the EU will set up the “Partnership on virtual worlds” program within the framework of Horizon Europe.

Public institutions

Two Web 4.0 initiatives have been presented in the EC strategies. One is called “CitiVerse”, a kind of immersive urban environment conducive to city planning and management. The other concerns the establishment of a “Virtual Human Twin”, a sort of avatar capable of facilitating clinical decision-making and personal treatment in particular.

What does Web 4 mean?

” Web 4.0 is the fourth generation expected from the World Wide Web. Thanks to the’artificial intelligence and ambient, Internet of Things, trusted blockchain transactions and virtual worlds and XR capabilities, digital and real-world objects and environments will be fully integrated and communicate with each other, enabling truly intuitive and immersive experiences , seamlessly blending the physical and digital worlds “, can we read on a page of the EC.

It should be noted that in the age of Web4 and the metaverse, the EU will make sure to establish a ” global governance instead of very strong centralization.