The Web 4.0 Virtual-Real Symbiosis Vision: How the EU Is Redefining the Future of the Internet

The European Commission released an ambitious strategic document in the first half of this year. Titled “Initiative for Web4.0 and Virtual Worlds: Leading the Next Technological Transformation,” this plan marks Europe’s new strategic layout in the digital economy era. In this strategy, Web4.0 is defined as a network form that highly integrates artificial intelligence, environmental intelligence, the Internet of Things, trusted blockchain transactions, virtual worlds, and XR mixed reality technologies. The goal is to enable a complete fusion of virtual and real worlds, creating immersive experiences for users.

In short, the vision of Web4.0 depicted by the EU is closer to a technical standardization expression of the metaverse—not just a simple virtual world concept, but a digital ecosystem blending virtual and real elements.

From the Metaverse to Web4.0: The EU’s Strategy for Technological Integration

Why does the EU use the term “Web4.0” instead of continuing with “metaverse”? Dr. Yujia Ning, co-chair of the Blockchain Special Committee of the China Communications Industry Association, points out from a policy research perspective that Web4.0 is a systematic integration and policy-oriented expression of cutting-edge technologies. Compared to Web3’s decentralization concept, Web4.0 covers a broader range of technologies and has a clearer regional development focus.

The EU’s definition of Web4.0 encompasses the following aspects:

Deep integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning is regarded as a core element. In a Web4.0 environment, AI technology is no longer a supporting role but is deeply embedded into network infrastructure, enabling real-time understanding of user behavior and personalized services. Imagine a scenario—every interaction you have in virtual space can be understood and responded to intelligently by AI systems.

Bridging virtual and real spaces is another focus. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are no longer isolated applications but are seamlessly connected with network infrastructure. Users can switch smoothly between virtual and real environments for work, learning, entertainment, and other multi-dimensional activities.

Expansion of the Internet of Things ecosystem involves integrating various devices and sensors into a unified intelligent network, enabling interconnection across home, city, industrial, and other scenarios, creating more efficient living and production environments.

Enhanced data privacy and security protections are also strategic priorities. Compared to current vulnerabilities in the network environment, Web4.0 promises higher levels of encryption and privacy defenses, ensuring users retain sovereignty over their data in environments where virtual and real worlds merge.

Web4.0 vs Web3: What Are the Fundamental Differences?

At first glance, both Web4.0 and Web3 discuss decentralization and user autonomy, but their focus points differ significantly.

The core of Web3 is the data sovereignty revolution. It emphasizes blockchain technology applications, such as smart contracts, DApps (decentralized applications), and decentralized identity verification systems, allowing users full control over their data, identities, and assets, with a significant reduction in intermediary roles. Web3’s worldview is more about a “personal vs. system” redistribution of power.

Web4.0 emphasizes the integration of virtual and real worlds and the systematic construction of technological ecosystems. Dr. Yujia Ning notes that within the Web4.0 framework, blockchain remains an important component but is no longer the sole solution. Web4.0 combines blockchain, AI, IoT, virtual world technologies, and more to build a more open, secure, and inclusive digital environment. Simply put, Web3 focuses on “power decentralization,” while Web4.0 pursues “ecosystem integration.”

Application layer differences include:

• Web3 applications (DApps) mainly run on blockchain, emphasizing transaction transparency and user asset control.
• Web4.0 applications span virtual and real boundaries, involving immersive experiences, real-time interactions, and intelligent decision-making across multiple dimensions.

The Practical Significance and Development Outlook of Web4.0

The EU’s launch of Web4.0 is not just a technical declaration but also carries profound strategic implications.

Further safeguarding user autonomy: Compared to Web3, Web4.0 promises more comprehensive user control mechanisms. In environments where virtual and real worlds merge, users can not only manage their digital identities and assets but also finely control their activity data in virtual spaces.

Upgrading network security defenses: Through the combination of encryption technology, blockchain verification, and decentralized architecture, Web4.0 aims to provide higher levels of attack resistance, reducing risks of data leaks and cyber threats.

A breeding ground for innovative business models: Web4.0 opens new space for developers and enterprises. The combination of decentralization and virtual-real integration could spawn entirely new business forms—from virtual asset trading platforms to immersive experience services and cross-physical boundary collaboration tools.

Rewriting the information monopoly pattern: Through decentralized architecture, Web4.0 is expected to break the absolute control of internet platforms over content and data, dispersing discourse and decision-making power, allowing users to participate directly in network governance.

The Geopolitical Logic Behind the Discourse Power Battle

In the early stages of industry development, whoever controls the definition holds the future discourse power and rule-making authority. The EU’s choice to propose the “Web4.0” concept instead of continuing with “metaverse” is essentially a strategic linguistic reshaping.

Every iteration of network technology profoundly impacts the global economic landscape. Defining the next-generation internet development direction means gaining initiative in the digital economy era. By introducing the more specific and policy-oriented concept of Web4.0, the EU aims to establish a “European standard” for global network development. This helps Europe not only guide its local technological ecosystem but also compete for leadership in the global digital economy.

In this invisible battle for discourse power, innovation and dissemination of concepts are often as important as technological innovation. The EU is using strategic vision and institutional design to attempt to establish its own technological discourse system in the Web4.0 era.

Note: Web4.0 is still in the strategic planning stage, and its actual development path may adjust due to technological progress and changes in the global competitive landscape. This article aims to interpret the EU’s future internet vision from a strategic perspective.