There is a need for the international community to identify and critique the existing human rights frameworks to potentially enable a secure and interoperable Metaverse. The UN and Global governments have an important role to play in these technological developments, most importantly, virtual worlds infused with artificial intelligence and neuro technologies and studying their impact; to mitigate threats to human rights.
Session Video
The panel discussed the need for a new human rights framework in the Metaverse, as technological advancements have outpaced the current frameworks. Sarah Rattray emphasized the need for the international community to identify and critique existing frameworks to enable a secure and interoperable Metaverse. Kavya Pearlman highlighted the importance of safety and privacy in the Metaverse, calling for the development of standards and regulations to protect users. Janae McPhaul stressed the importance of diversity and inclusion in the development of the Metaverse. The panel agreed that a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach is necessary to address the complex issues of human rights in the Metaverse. The recommendations included developing an inclusive and transparent governance structure, engaging with communities, and ensuring that human rights considerations are integrated into the design and development of the Metaverse. The panel also emphasized the need for ongoing research to understand the impact of the Metaverse on human rights and the environment.
During the panel discussion on "Do we need a new framework for Human Rights in the Metaverse?" the following main ideas and insights were highlighted:
The current human rights frameworks are not sufficient to address the challenges posed by emerging technologies like the metaverse. There is a need for a new framework that can address the unique risks and challenges posed by the metaverse.
The panelists stressed the importance of considering the human rights implications of metaverse development at every stage of the process. This includes involving human rights experts and impacted communities in the design and development of metaverse platforms.
One of the major challenges of the metaverse is the potential for the amplification of existing inequalities and discrimination in the real world. The panelists discussed the need to develop strategies to prevent and address these issues, including through the use of AI and other technologies.
The panelists also emphasized the importance of data privacy and security in the metaverse, and the need for robust regulations to protect users' personal information.
In terms of solutions, the panelists recommended a human rights-based approach to metaverse development, which prioritizes the protection of fundamental human rights and values such as privacy, non-discrimination, and freedom of expression.
The panelists also discussed the need for international cooperation and collaboration in developing a new framework for human rights in the metaverse. This includes involving stakeholders from different countries, sectors, and communities in the process.
Overall, the panelists agreed that the metaverse has the potential to be a transformative technology for the betterment of humanity, but only if it is developed in a way that protects and promotes human rights.
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.
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