Ensuring Safety in the Metauniverse: A Call for Non-Discrimination, User Security and Data Privacy

It is reported that Yvo Volman, data director of DG CONNECT, the digital department of the European Commission, said that the EU needs to consider non-discrimination, user security and data privacy when considering how to regulate the metauniverse. We must ensure that people feel safe in the virtual world, just as they feel safe in the real world, and maybe even safer. We need to ensure that people have the right skills and tools to protect their assets in the virtual world – their data.

Officials of the European Commission: discrimination, security and data control should be considered in the meta-space policy

Interpretation of the news:


The metauniverse is an emerging and exciting concept that has the potential to revolutionize human interactions, economies and societies. It refers to a network of interconnected virtual worlds, simulations and immersive experiences that use advanced technologies such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence, blockchain and cloud computing. The metauniverse is not a singular platform or company, but rather a decentralized ecosystem of creators, developers, users and stakeholders who collaborate and compete to shape its various facets. While the metauniverse is still in its infancy, it has already attracted billions of dollars in investments, millions of users and diverse applications ranging from gaming and entertainment to education and healthcare.

However, the metauniverse also presents various challenges and risks, one of which is the lack of clear and consistent regulations that protect the rights and interests of its participants. Unlike the physical world, the metauniverse operates across multiple jurisdictions, cultures and norms, and therefore requires a harmonized and flexible legal framework that balances innovation and safety. Yvo Volman, data director of DG CONNECT, the digital department of the European Commission, emphasized the importance of non-discrimination, user security and data privacy as crucial pillars of such a framework.

Non-discrimination means that all users, regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, religion, age, disability or sexual orientation, should have equal access, opportunities and treatment in the metauniverse. Discrimination in the metauniverse can take many forms, such as hate speech, cyberbullying, harassment, exclusion, marginalization or stereotyping. These actions not only harm the victims, but also degrade the overall quality and diversity of the metauniverse. Volman stressed that the EU should promote and enforce non-discrimination principles in the metauniverse, through education, awareness, standards, monitoring and sanction mechanisms.

User security means that all users should be protected from physical, psychological, financial or reputational harm in the metauniverse. User security can be compromised by various threats, such as hacking, fraud, theft, malware, phishing, stalking or grooming. These threats can be amplified in the metauniverse, where users may have less control over their environment, identity, assets or communication channels. Volman argued that the EU should empower users with the right skills and tools to protect themselves, such as encryption, authentication, backup, reporting or support services. The EU should also encourage and reward companies that prioritize user security in their products, services and policies.

Data privacy means that all users should have control over their personal data in the metauniverse, including its collection, storage, usage, sharing and deletion. Data privacy is particularly important in the metauniverse, where users may generate vast amounts of data through their interactions, actions and preferences. This data can reveal sensitive information about users, such as their health, finances, relationships or behavior. Volman urged the EU to establish clear and binding rules for data privacy in the metauniverse, based on the principles of transparency, consent, purpose limitation, data minimization, accuracy, accountability and user rights. The EU should also support research and innovation on privacy-enhancing technologies and architectures for the metauniverse.

In conclusion, Volman’s message highlights the need for a balanced and progressive approach to regulating the metauniverse, that fosters innovation, diversity and safety for all its participants. Non-discrimination, user security and data privacy are essential elements of such an approach, and require active and collaborative efforts from governments, companies, civil society and users themselves.

References:

– European Commission. (2021). Shaping Europe’s digital future. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/about-european-commission/departmental-and-servicedirectorates/communications-networks-content-and-technology_en
– The Metauniverse Association. (2021). The Metauniverse Manifesto. Retrieved from https://www.metauniverseassociation.org/manifesto.