While the transition to Web 3.0 is still ongoing and the move to Web 4.0 is only on the horizon, it is essential to kick-start a conversation about the future digital landscape. The virtual world and Web 4.0 are expected to fundamentally reshape our perceptions and experiences of the future Internet, promising to revolutionise people’s daily lives and work.
However, as we look towards this digital future, several significant challenges must be addressed. Web 4.0 introduces complex issues such as data security, the ethical use of artificial intelligence, and the prevention of cyber threats. Ensuring that these innovations are accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status or geographic location, is another crucial concern.
To navigate these challenges effectively, there is a pressing need for a deeper understanding and identification of the policy issues involved. Developing a robust framework for global governance of virtual worlds and Web 4.0 is essential to ensure that these digital transformations benefit all of humanity equitably.
In the context of a project for the European Commission, our goal is to collect and consolidate stakeholder’s views on the future governance principles for virtual worlds & Web 4.0. In addition, we are conducting research on the emerging technologies shaping virtual worlds and Web 4.0.