EU unveils strategy for Web 4.0 development and virtual worlds

The European Commission обнародовала strategy for “Web 4.0 development and virtual worlds that reflect EU values and principles.”

“We will invest in the integration and expansion of new technologies, and give people tools and skills for safe and confident use of digital universes,” said Thierry Breton, EU internal market commissioner.

According to the EU definition, Web 4.0 is the fourth generation of internet development, bringing together artificial intelligence, IoT, blockchains, metaverses and augmented reality.

Mr Breton said the new phase of technology development would deliver a fusion of digital and real spaces, and improve interaction between people and machines.

“In the EU economy forecast for the period after 2030, digitisation is seen as one of the key drivers, and Web 4.0 is a major technological transition that provides a connected space. Estimates put the global virtual-world market at €27 billion in 2022, rising to more than €800 billion by 2030,” the European Commission said in a statement.

The authorities outlined several key development strategies:

• expanding people’s rights and capabilities in the digital sector by ensuring access to reliable information and building a pipeline of skilled professionals. As part of this step, EU lawmakers will present guidelines for virtual worlds by the end of 2023;

• support for the European Web 4.0 ecosystem to “improve service quality and address fragmentation”;

• digitisation of public services and support for public progress. Authorities will launch two projects — an immersive city environment for planning and managing CitiVerse, and the European Virtual Human Twin medical service;

• formation of global standards for new technologies. The European Commission will engage with stakeholders in computer development and recommend rules in line with the EU’s vision.

In April, the European Parliament voted on a proposal to comprehensively regulate the crypto industry, MiCA. The document introduces strict rules aimed at protecting investors and consumers.

In June, the EU put forward a legislative proposal that would set the legal basis for a possible digital euro as a complement to cash.