The EU DMA and DSA regulations tested against Web 3.0 offences. The metaverse: Development, potential, critical aspects, and concerns

The evolution of the Internet – from Web 1.0’s passive information access to Web 2.0’s interactive, user-generated content – has profoundly reshaped social, economic, and legal landscapes. With the emergence of Web 3.0 and the metaverse, the network is transitioning toward a decentralized, user-centric environment, enabling immersive experiences through avatars, virtual worlds, and digital commerce. This paradigm shift raises novel regulatory and ethical challenges, particularly regarding platform liability, data governance, and user protec- tion. Historical lessons from the development of ISP liability and the implementation of the DMA and DSA provide a foundation for assessing regulatory adequacy. Anticipating Web 3.0’s expansion offers a critical opportunity for proactive legal frameworks, ensuring that governance evolves alongside technological innovation rather than lagging behind it. This Chapter examines these developments and their implications for law, policy, and digital society.