We’ve all heard of sexual assaults and negative experiences in VR.
As we evolve towards the Metaverse, we will need real-world controls to protect users from fraud, abuse, and loss. Regulation takes time and is difficult to apply globally. A panel discussion on what it takes to make the metaverse a viable place to live and do business.
Session Video
The "Regulating the Metaverse: How to govern the virtual?" panel discussion, conducted during the Metaverse Safety Week, focused on exploring the challenges of regulating and governing the Metaverse. The panel featured experts in the field, including Anne Hobson, Genevieve Mak, and Debbie Reynolds, who shared their insights and recommendations on the topic.
Throughout the discussion, the panelists highlighted the need for proactive measures to ensure responsible and safe virtual environments, rather than relying on reactive and punitive moderation. They discussed the importance of policies and governance to protect user privacy, consumer rights, and human rights, while promoting innovation and growth in the Metaverse.
The panelists also addressed the challenges of regulating the Metaverse across different jurisdictions and the need for international cooperation and standards. They emphasized the role of industry leaders, policymakers, and communities in shaping the future of the Metaverse, and the need for ongoing dialogue and collaboration to build a trustworthy and inclusive virtual world.
During the "Regulating the Metaverse: How to govern the virtual?" panel discussion, several key ideas and insights were discussed. These include:
- The importance of proactive moderation: Many virtual worlds currently rely on reactive and punitive moderation methods. Panelists emphasized the need for proactive moderation to create safe and thriving spaces in the Metaverse.
- The need for standards and interoperability: The Metaverse is a complex ecosystem, and it will require standards and interoperability across different platforms to ensure a seamless user experience and to address issues such as identity verification and data privacy.
- The role of regulation and self-regulation: The panelists discussed the challenges of regulating the Metaverse globally, given the vast differences in laws and cultural norms across different countries. Self-regulation by industry players and collaboration with regulators were suggested as possible solutions.
- Ensuring user agency and autonomy: The panelists highlighted the need to ensure that users have agency and autonomy in the Metaverse, including the ability to control their own data and make informed decisions about their virtual experiences.
- The importance of diversity and inclusion: The panelists emphasized the need to address issues of diversity and inclusion in the Metaverse, including creating safe spaces for marginalized communities and addressing biases in AI algorithms and virtual environments.
Overall, the panel provided valuable insights and recommendations on the complex issues of regulating and governing the Metaverse, highlighting the need for proactive measures, international cooperation, and responsible policies to ensure a safe and thriving virtual world for all. The panelists recognized the immense potential of the Metaverse but emphasized the need for responsible governance and proactive measures to ensure its success. They discussed the importance of collaboration among different stakeholders, including industry players, policymakers, and civil society, to address the complex challenges of regulating the Metaverse.
