Governing the Internet’s Technical Future

This chapter examines the future governance of the Internet amidst rapid technological advancements and the transition to Web 4.0. It explores the challenges and opportunities posed by emerging technologies, such as AI, blockchain, and extended reality, emphasising the need for open, multi-stakeholder governance. Highlighting the European Union’s (EU) strategic role, it discusses efforts to preserve the foundational principles of openness, decentralisation, and inclusivity in the face of geopolitical pressures. The analysis underscores the EU’s proactive stance in fostering digital sovereignty and leading global initiatives, such as the Declaration on Digital Rights and Principles. As the Internet increasingly integrates the physical and digital realms, this chapter calls for adaptive governance frameworks to balance innovation with privacy, security, and equity, ensuring that the Internet remains a resilient and democratic space for future generations.