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Web 4.0 - Independent Internet

Built for People

The Vision

Web 4.0 represents the Internet as it was intended to be - made possible by affordable yet powerful hardware and intelligent software. A resilient, decentralized internet without corporate control or surveillance. An internet of, by, and for the people.

Key Technologies

Self Hosting

Be your own services provider, maintaining complete control over your data and infrastructure.

Mesh Networking

Peer-to-peer connections that create resilient networks without central points of control or failure.

Post-Quantum Security

Future-proof architecture that protects against quantum attacks, inspired by the US DoD's NIPRNet / SIPRNet.

Trustless

Trust nothing, verify everything: Systems operate without requiring trust in intermediaries, central authorities, or third parties. Cryptographic verification and consensus mechanisms ensure integrity and authenticity without relying on trusted entities.

Ownership

True ownership means complete control and autonomy over digital assets, data, and infrastructure. Operators have exclusive rights to their digital property with no third-party claims, restrictions, or revocable licenses. Ownership cannot be arbitrarily revoked.

Safe

Airgap-first node design means that data and compute remain on-premises. When connectivity is required, modern encryption standards protect communications. Systems withstand attacks, failures, and disruptions while maintaining functionality.

Ethical

Federated nodes maintain accountability and responsibility, ensuring that operators can make informed choices about their participation while respecting the autonomy of other federated communities.

Equitable

All operators have equal opportunity to participate, contribute, and benefit regardless of background, location, or resources. No gatekeeping or artificial barriers prevent participation.

Sustainable

Local processing keeps compute and data together, eliminating massive energy waste from transmitting data across continents to distant data centers, reducing latency while dramatically cutting carbon footprint.

History of the Web

1.0

Built for Universities

1990 - 2001

The Static Web

Static HTML pages. Users could only consume content, not create or interact with it.

Characteristics

  • • One-way information flow
  • • Limited interactivity
  • • Centralized content creation

Role in Web 4.0

Static content provides stable, verifiable records, with reduced attack surfaces.

2.0

Built for Data Brokers

2001 - 2015

The Dynamic Web

Interactive, user-generated content platforms. Users became both consumers and creators.

Characteristics

  • • User-generated content
  • • Social networking
  • • Platform monopolies

Role in Web 4.0

Participatory networks enable user-generated content and interactivity without corporate intermediaries or surveillance, returning control to operators.

3.0

Built for AI

2015 - Present

The Semantic Web

Machine-readable data and AI-powered systems, with blockchain technology.

Characteristics

  • • Machine-readable content
  • • Surveillance Capitalism
  • • Intro to Blockchain, AI, & QC

Role in Web 4.0

Blockchain innovations and AI capabilities allow for decentralized, synchronous, and autonomous infrastructure.

2019

Surveillance Capitalism

Shoshana Zuboff

2010s

Ethereum's Intro to Web3

Ethereum Foundation

2008October 31

Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System

Satoshi Nakamoto

2001May

The Semantic Web

Tim Berners-Lee

1989March

Information Management: A Proposal

Tim Berners-Lee

1974

Computer Lib - Dream Machines

Ted Nelson

1968April

The Computer As A Communication Device

J.C.R. Licklider, R. Taylor

1963April 23

Licklider Memo

J.C.R. Licklider

1962October

Augmenting Human Intellect

Douglas Engelbart

1962April

ON-LINE MAN-COMPUTER COMMUNICATION

J.C.R. Licklider, W. Clark

1960March

Man-Computer Symbiosis

J.C.R. Licklider