The European Commission has launched pilot project ‘A space for the metaverse – virtual world and the transition to Web 4.0’ in the context of Action 9 of its strategy on Web 4.0 and virtual worlds. The project will assess the developments in internet technologies relevant for Web 4.0 and virtual worlds and set the ground for a global dialogue on the governance of Web 4.0 and virtual worlds. Read more information about the Web4Hub space.
Interested stakeholders are invited to take part in two workshops, part of the global exercise:
-
Policy workshop exploring the ethical aspects and collecting stakeholders needs for the establishment of an open multi-stakeholder approach to virtual worlds and Web 4.0 governance on 22 October 2024 at 13:00h – 15:30h CET.
Register here for the policy workshop.
-
Technical workshop examining the drivers of and the barriers to the transition to Web 4.0, with a closer look at the internet architecture and the changing technology landscape on 24 October at 14:30h – 17h CET.
Register here for the technical workshop.
We encourage stakeholder organisations to contribute to the related online consultation covering both the technical and policy aspects of Web 4.0 and Virtual Worlds.
The results of this data collection will feed into the High Level Global multistakeholder Conference on the Governance of Web 4.0 and virtual worlds, co-organised by the European Commission and the 2025 Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU. The event aims to define foundational principles for a global governance framework for Web 4.0 and virtual worlds.
You can sign up for the project mailing list to stay informed about upcoming stakeholder activities.