EU takes the first step to set principles for Web 4.0 and virtual worlds

All CCS and Cross-sectoral All Europe Countries

The European Union has unveiled an ambitious initiative to shape the development of Web 4.0 technologies and virtual worlds.
 


July 13, 2023 
ECHN - illustration with Dream Studio AI
The EU aims to establish itself as a leader in this emerging space and ensure that its citizens and businesses can benefit from the opportunities while being protected from the risks. Web 4.0 refers to the next stage of the internet characterized by seamless connectivity, immersive experiences, and artificial intelligence. Virtual worlds, including the metaverse, are seen as a key part of Web 4.0, allowing users to interact in shared virtual environments.  

The EU's strategy centers on four pillars:
  1. Building expertise through training programs and attracting specialists from outside the EU. During the first quarter of 2024, the Commission intends to promote guiding principles for virtual worlds and create a 'Citizen toolbox' financed by the Digital Europe Programme and the Creative Europe Programme.
  2. Creating an "industrial ecosystem" by supporting research, innovation, and standard setting. A Horizon Europe candidate Partnership on Virtual Worlds will probably begin in 2025, to enhance excellence in research
  3. Investing in virtual public services to test and demonstrate the benefits of these technologies. The Commission is introducing two new public initiatives: "CitiVerse," an immersive urban environment for city planning and administration, and a European Virtual Human Twin to replicate the human body
  4. Develop governance structures to address issues that fall outside the remit of existing Internet institutions. The EU will  advocate Web 4.0 standards that are consistent with the EU's vision and values
According to the strategy, the Digital Europe and Creative Europe programs will assist in the development of skills related to virtual world technology, while the Horizon Europe program will fund research on how the metaverse will affect people's health. In the third quarter of 2023, an initiative to attract highly trained specialists from outside the EU is planned to start.

In addition, the EU executive intends to release a Virtual World Toolbox for the general public in the first quarter of next year, while the Better Internet for Kids policy and the proposed code of conduct for age-appropriate design will encompass the metaverse. In terms of misinformation, the Commission will seek synergies' with efforts such as the European Digital Media Observatory and the Code of Practice on misinformation.

The Commission plans to launch regulatory sandboxes for businesses to test Web 4.0 and virtual world technologies. It will also study the business opportunities and barriers and create a "toolbox" to support companies.

For citizens, the Commission intends to promote a "Virtual World Toolbox" to help people use these technologies safely and responsibly. It will also seek to apply its existing strategies on disinformation, children's rights, and data protection to the metaverse.

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