Page 17 - Executive briefing on the metaverse

Executive briefing on the metaverse

5.2 Access

Access to the metaverse depends on the availability of ICT infrastructure. For the metaverse
to reach its full potential, everyone everywhere will need to be able to access it. To do this will
require closing the connectivity gap and bridging the digital divide.

5.3 Competition

For the metaverse to flourish it needs to be built on a foundation that enables market competition
of ideas and avoids dominance by a few companies. .
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5.4 Data protection and privacy

With so much personal information being generated and stored in virtual spaces, it is important
to ensure that people's privacy rights are protected. This includes issues such as who owns the
data generated in the metaverse, and how it can be used and shared. 22

5.5 Intellectual property

The metaverse has the potential to create new forms of intellectual property such as virtual
goods, digital assets, NFTs, and experiences. It is important to ensure that these new forms of
intellectual property are protected, and that their owners can profit from them.

5.6 Interoperability

Different metaverse platforms will have to interact with one another to offer a seamless
experience to all users. The metaverse should be accessible regardless of the underlying
topologies and technologies. Therefore, pivotal points or common agents will have to be
standardized to enable interoperable workflows between several platforms, enabling minimum
but sufficient interoperability mechanisms.

5.7 Cybersecurity

With vast amounts of sensitive data required to operate the metaverse it can be expected to
attract cybercriminals. Comprehensive security guidelines and regulations will need to be in
place to protect metaverse users from scams, ransomware and other cyberthreats. 23

5.8 Online harassment

Users of the metaverse will not be immune from online harassment, and it is important to ensure
that people are protected from abusive behavior in virtual spaces. 24

5.9 Sustainability

Other important factors that would impact the evolution and growth of the metaverse are the
impact it would have on sustainability, and the role it could play in adapting and mitigating
climate change. In addition, it is important to examine and assess the impact of the metaverse on
greenhouse gas emissions early enough in order to adopt suitable standards and regulations.

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