Access to the Metaverse is highly dependent on close-to-the-body hardware such as headsets, hand devices, etc., capable of collecting involuntary biometric data with technologies like movement or eye-tracking. This scenario amplifies privacy, identity, autonomy, and human agency risks.
Where is all of this going to lead us?
Session Video
The "Panel Discussion" on "Data, Surveillance, Identity and Interconnected Virtual Worlds" during the Metaverse Safety Week brought together experts from different fields to discuss the challenges of protecting human rights in the metaverse. The panelists discussed the importance of establishing an ethical framework for the use of data and surveillance technologies, protecting individuals' privacy and autonomy, and ensuring that the development of immersive technologies does not create new inequalities. They also highlighted the need for global regulatory frameworks that address immersive rights and neuro rights. The panelists recommended that policymakers, technology professionals, and civic organizations work together to establish these frameworks and ensure that human rights are protected in the metaverse.
The "Panel Discussion" during the Metaverse Safety Week focused on "Human Rights in the Metaverse." The discussion revolved around exploring the complexity and convergence of threats to human rights in the evolving Metaverse and the need for additional global frameworks that include Immersive Rights and Neuro Rights. The main insights and ideas discussed during the panel included:
The Metaverse presents novel risks to human rights and demands a comprehensive approach to ensuring that human agency, autonomy, and free will are preserved.
The participants emphasized the need to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in the Metaverse by ensuring that marginalized communities are not excluded from participating in the new virtual world.
The panelists also discussed the challenges associated with data privacy and security in the Metaverse and recommended that global frameworks be put in place to safeguard users' personal data.
The discussion also highlighted the need for regulation to protect human rights in the Metaverse and to ensure that corporate entities are held accountable for their actions.
The panelists emphasized the importance of education and awareness-raising about human rights in the Metaverse, and the need for collaborations between different stakeholders such as policymakers, tech experts, civil society, and researchers.
Overall, the panel discussion underscored the need for a multi-stakeholder approach to ensure that human rights are respected and protected in the Metaverse, with the participants emphasizing that the focus should be on promoting the wellbeing of users and ensuring that the Metaverse is a safe and inclusive space for everyone.
We are entering a post-reality era with a diminishing sense of safety, privacy, and trust. We need to come together to address these risks proactively and reduce harm to humans and societies. XR Safety Initiative (XRSI) believes that the first step to this is creating awareness and safeguards.
Metaverse Safety Week 2022 is a week-long safety campaign, and we need your generous support in making it a Free-for-All, Accessible & Inclusive for everyone.
“The moment to create the change is now. Together we must make it happen.”
