Privacy Concerns in the Emerging Metaverse
The emergence of the Metaverse in the crypto space is a significant development, but a report from NYU Stem Center for Business and Human Rights (CBHR) warns of potential privacy erosion and a rise in physical aggression. The CBHR report suggests that both the Web3 industry and governments need to take proactive measures to prevent a security and privacy crisis.
Threats to Privacy
The Metaverse, also known as Extended Reality or Spatial Computing, is a digital universe where people can work, learn, and socialize in a 3D environment. However, CBHR raises concerns about the immersive nature of the Metaverse, which could compromise users’ privacy and safety.
According to the report, the Metaverse will collect bodily data and spatial information that can reveal sensitive details about individuals, including their physical and mental states. CBHR describes this data collection as significantly more invasive than traditional web-tracking technologies.
The report also highlights the potential for harmful behavior in virtual environments, such as child abuse and sexual harassment. Additionally, using idealized avatars may lead to dissatisfaction with reality.
Recommendations for Mitigation
CBHR proposes several recommendations to address the impending privacy and security crisis. First, it suggests erasing user body-based data that is not necessary for device functionality. This would help protect individuals’ privacy.
Secondly, CBHR advises the industry to provide users with more options to control their exposure to privacy and safety risks. Implementing privacy and safety best practices and investing in automation tools for proactive moderation in 3D virtual environments are essential steps.
The report emphasizes the importance of proactive detection to prevent dangerous activities like child sexual exploitation and terrorist recruitment in real-time interactions within virtual reality.
Furthermore, the report recommends that governments develop comprehensive federal privacy legislation and strengthen their authority to oversee digital industries, including the Metaverse. Governments should also empower federal agencies to research the health and environmental impacts of immersive technologies.
Hot Take: Protecting Privacy in the Metaverse
The NYU CBHR report raises important concerns about privacy and safety in the emerging Metaverse. With increasing investments from tech giants in this space, it is crucial for the Web3 industry and policymakers to prioritize human rights and take proactive measures.
Protecting privacy in the Metaverse requires erasing unnecessary user data, offering user control over privacy risks, implementing proactive moderation tools, and developing comprehensive privacy legislation. By addressing these issues, we can ensure a safer and more secure future for users in the evolving digital universe.
This article was originally published on CryptoPotato.
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