Pursuing a metaverse based on democratic values | IGF 2023 Day 0 Event #207

Knowledge Graph of Debate

Session report

Pearse O’Donohue

The European Commission has demonstrated an unambiguous commitment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, by consciously developing a strategy towards the transition to Web 4.0 and the nurturing of virtual environments, known as metaverses. Integral to this strategy is the ambition to create a diverse, widely distributed, and open digital realm that respects human rights at its core whilst accentuating key policy considerations such as sustainability. The formulation of these strategies has been engaging and inclusive – harnessing industry insights, academic perspectives, inputs from European Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality coalitions, citizens’ panels, and other stakeholder interactions. This composite process of wide-ranging collaboration serves to incorporate a diverse array of perspectives and challenges related to the issue in their policy outlines.

The European Union’s (EU) direction towards seamless digital transformation and interoperability lushly imbibes EU values of human rights, privacy, security, openness, and accessibility. There is a robust focus on designing an infrastructure that embodies principles such as openness, security, interoperability, identity protection, and effective transaction management within the fabric of virtual environments. Of crucial importance to the technological evolution of these virtual worlds is the incorporation of sustainability at the heart of the endeavour.

Effective development of metaverses is perceived to largely rely on securing international cooperation and standardisation. Enabling streamlined interoperability between different platforms, networks, and the seamless utilisation of identities, avatars, data, and virtual assets in secure environs is largely hinged on successful standardisation. Encouraging the productive use of open-source innovations, coupled with open standards, forms the bedrock for developing secure virtual identities and objects. Participating in open communication and engaging with existing multi-stakeholder institutions rather than initiating new ones has been considered as a more practical approach, with a state-led initiative deemed inadequate for fostering a culture of openness and interoperability. Pearse O’Donohue, a strong advocate for this model believes that existing institutions possess the capability to adapt and evolve in consonance with technology.

However, the aspiration towards digital realism is not without its intricacies. Privacy concerns, data protection challenges and the complexities embedded in virtual assets and cryptocurrencies represent substantial hurdles that cast a certain degree of negativity on the prevailing sentiment. Furthermore, the physical and psychological health implications for individuals inhabiting an increasingly digitised world are critical considerations. Issues related to excessive gaming and plausible subsequent health impacts could potentially be exacerbated in these immersive virtual environments.

Amidst these challenges, the engagement with various stakeholders, and national and regional initiatives is perceived as a beneficial approach towards accommodating regional and cultural variances in the digital sphere. O’Donohue emphasises the importance of cultural diversity in promoting innovation, collective effort, and creativity. Ultimately, the creation and safe navigation of virtual realities is not merely about technological sophistication, but equally about community comprehension of this technology and working alongside individuals who understand its nuanced dynamics. After all, the metaverse extends beyond a technical construct; it is a digital reflection of our diverse societies and cultures.

Neil Trevett

Launched in June 2022, the Metaverse Standards Forum has swiftly gained traction with its proactive approach to shaping the metaverse, embodying the collaborative efforts of over 2,500 registered member organisations across a wide range of industries. The forum aims to help existing standards organisations by providing a neutral, inclusive platform for drafting effective standards applicable to the metaverse, rather than trying to create new ones.

The forum’s objectives are rooted in the idea of the metaverse as a key evolution of the world wide web. This evolution centres on the integration of immersive spatial computing with traditional web connectivity, ushering in a transformative user experience. This progression is built upon a host of disruptive technologies, notably artificial intelligence (AI), graphics processing unit (GPU) processing for graphics and computation, extended reality (XR), Web 3.0, and advanced networking technologies, including and extending beyond 5G.

Topmost on the forum’s focus list are issues surrounding privacy, cybersecurity, and inclusiveness within the metaverse. These concerns have resonated strongly amongst forum members, leading to a dedicated team working on establishing norms and regulatory frameworks. They underscore the importance of industry-wide awareness of the privacy and security risks inherent in emerging technologies like the metaverse. The need for creating inclusive, secure platforms that users can trust and enjoy is prioritised.

A crucial part of the forum’s strategy to mitigate these risks involves advocating for cooperation between industry and governmental bodies. Successful implementation of comprehensive metaverse governance laws depends on such collaborative endeavours. Members of the forum have suggested maintaining an open dialogue with governmental bodies from the outset, expecting that early cooperation will help mitigate risks and forge a consistent legislative approach, underpinned by global interoperability.

Regarding the standard-setting landscape, the forum recognises both smaller industry consortia such as the W3C, Open Geospatial Consortium, and Kronos Group, alongside larger organisations including IGF, ITU, IETF, ISO, and IEEE. Interactive dialogue with these entities supports requirements collection and coordination processes, promoting reciprocal knowledge exchange.

Strategically, the forum is defining its role within this broader network of organisations and initiatives. Maintaining active dialogues with entities like ITU, ISO, and IEEE, the forum aims to add value to these larger organisations. Leveraging its inherent agility and industry-linked synergies rather than presenting direct competition, the forum positions itself as a vital appendage within the broader mechanisms of the metaverse. The core principle is to help expedite the creation of an effective, human-centric, trustworthy, and enjoyable metaverse, thereby complementing larger metaverse initiatives.

Souichirou Kozuka

A task force has engaged in rigorous discussions to highlight a range of critical issues related to the burgeoning popularity and development of the metaverse. Such discussions commenced in August of the previous year and have been held nearly monthly since. Significant concerns include the design and authenticity of avatars, the capacity for smooth transfer and functionality among various metaverse platforms, the protection of intellectual property rights when importing real-world objects into the metaverse, and the pivotal importance of managing and safeguarding user personal data. They also stress the need for a user-friendly interface and experience. Additionally, the potential detrimental health effects of protracted time spent within the metaverse, such as mental and physical strain, have been pointed out.

The task force ardently promotes a global, shared understanding and approach to address these outlined issues. It advocates for the formulation of service provider guidelines and industry initiatives to assure a secure and user-centric metaverse. Emphasising that the digital boundaries within the metaverse don’t bear as much relevance as those in the real world.

Japan’s stance and methodology towards the development of the metaverse warrant notable mention. The country champions democratic values, respect for dignity, individual freedom, and fairness. Their objective is to establish concrete guiding principles reflecting their agenda in the second phase of their work, following the culmination of their study group. Japan openly expresses its willingness to disseminate its learning and insights within international forums to assist global metaverse development.

Furthermore, Japan calls for a more solidified strategy to engender digital trust within the metaverse. They propose the development of principles encompassing contribution, transparency, and interoperability, advocating for global dialogues to share and discuss these principles.

Freedom of speech, a cornerstone of democratic societies, is also highlighted. Whilst the task force acknowledges and respects this civil right, it insists that the metaverse shouldn’t be exploited to disseminate disinformation, defamation, or facilitate consumer fraud. Balancing this right with societal norms is advocated, initiating discussions on how these norms could impact freedom of speech.

Concluding the appraisal, the task force recommends cultivating expertise through dialogues with industry experts and users. It specifically notes that effective policy-making should not be solely at high levels and must incorporate insights from individuals with hands-on knowledge and experience in the digital realm.

Camila Leite Contri

The discourse illuminated upon the multifaceted sphere of the metaverse, detailing its intersections with various thematic areas including global cooperation, inclusivity, and innovative strides. It underscored the importance of cooperation from all stakeholders in the design and implementation of a values-based metaverse, in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17. Salient points of discussion reiterated the significance of a global perspective and civil society engagement, acknowledging both opportunities and challenges posed by an evolving metaverse.

A recurring theme of inclusivity was exhaustively discussed, citing the necessity of directing technological innovations towards human-centric applications. The discourse acknowledged the needs and rights of vulnerable populations, advocating for the active mitigation of barriers which could perpetuate discriminatory practices. This argument was directly linked to promoting SDG 10, which chiefly focuses on reducing inequality through the prism of technology.

Significant emphasis was placed on the role of open standards and interoperability in guiding the development of the metaverse, a roadmap which arguably aligns with SDG 9. Proponents argued that such a framework would enhance the potential for innovation, offering users a broader range of alternatives and creating a fertile ground for creativity and expansion.

The conversation also exhibited sensitivity towards acknowledging diverse regional contexts and cultural specificities, essential for constructing inclusive and contextually relevant global standards for the metaverse. This perspective closely aligns with SDG 11, which advocates for Sustainable Cities and Communities.

When discussing the fluid landscape of the metaverse, inclusive strategies were advocated to prevent economic power imbalances, discrimination, and provenance discrepancies. A comprehensive approach, aligning with SDGs 5, 8, and 10, was proposed, emphasising gender equality, decent work, economic growth, and reduced inequality, respectively.

Further discussions stressed the necessity for universally shared norms rooted firmly in human rights-based tech innovations. These shared norms, having considered regional contexts and the benefits of interoperability, contribute towards creating an enabling environment for metaverse growth, directly aligning with SDGs 9 and 16.

The discourse underscored the importance of adherence by the metaverse to existing norms, such as data protection legislation and consumer laws. This concept of openness and interoperability aligns with SDGs 16 and 17, and contributes towards fostering a more interconnected digital frontier.

A widespread agreement underscored the significance of a broad, protective, and flexible baseline for addressing the challenges associated with developing the metaverse, given its local, cultural, and regional specificities. Emphasising SDGs 9 and 10, it upheld the notions of Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and Reduced Inequalities.

Lastly, discourse advocated for enhanced multi-stakeholder debates and broader global participation to mould the future of the metaverse. Engagement from diverse actors — government entities, private sector companies, civil society, and technical sectors — was urged to create an ecosystem that thrives on dialogue, interchange, and collaboration, aligning with SDGs 16 and 17.

In conclusion, the discourse offered a multitude of perspectives on the potential trajectories of the metaverse, outlining a collective responsibility in shaping an interconnected, inclusive, and innovative digital frontier. The dialogue signalled a consensus on the need for partnership, cooperation and shared norms to ensure a responsible, inclusive, and democratised metaverse landscape.

Elizabeth Thomas-Raynaud

The OECD’s Global Forum on Technology, in association with Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, is leading in-depth discussions aimed at forging a path towards a metaverse grounded firmly in democratic values. The forum uniquely examines technologies through the lens of sustainable development in resilient societies, responsible values-based, and rights-oriented technologies, in addition to addressing digital and technological divides.

Recognising the long-term opportunities and inherent risks that technology presents, these high-calibre dialogues seek to proactively anticipate potential challenges. This approach underlines the crucial role of strategic foresight and shrewd risk management in the rapidly evolving landscape of technology.

The commitment of the OECD to the advancement of future work for its committees and other pertinent fora was emphasised through inclusive, profound, value-based discussions. These forums feed into and enhance the relevant activities of the OECD committees, currently focusing on the three spheres of immersive technology, quantum technology, and synthetic biology.

There’s been an observable rise in ventures associated with the metaverse, reflecting a surge in confidence in this sector’s growth potential. Investment in metaverse-related start-ups climbed exponentially from a base of $2 billion in 2016, peaking at over $12 billion five years later, thereby indicating venture capitalists’ heightened confidence.

The transformative capacity of immersive technologies, such as virtual, mixed, and augmented reality, is widely acknowledged. With application scenarios spanning sectors like healthcare, retail, manufacturing, education and entertainment, these technologies foster empathy, aid comprehension of global issues, and engender human connections.

However, the challenges accompanying these technologies’ unchecked growth are deserving of attention. Concerns around privacy, security, ethics, along with technical obstacles such as motion sickness and latency in immersive technologies, call for careful consideration. Policymakers are thus urged to devise balanced regulatory frameworks that maximise the benefits while effectively mitigating associated risks.

Key points of consideration for the development and implementation of immersive technologies include sustainability, environmental implications, and inclusivity. It’s emphasised that making the metaverse universally accessible is vital. Inequities in access to technology risk widening the divide, a sentiment echoed by the speakers and participants in the Global Forum on Technology.

Cagatay Pekyorur

Cagatay Pekyorur has highlighted the complexities in creating universally acceptable standards for the metaverse, given the array of region-specific issues to tackle. These challenges span a wide spectrum from connectivity to societal matters such as gender divides, especially pronounced in regions like Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey. Nevertheless, artificial intelligence (AI) was suggested as a potential solution to surmount some of these obstacles, notably in addressing language barriers.

Concurrently, Meta, the rebranded firm leading the development of the metaverse, is committed to upholding principles of economic opportunity, privacy, safety, and inclusion. As part of their masterplan for this new virtual dimension, the company recognises the importance of accessibility. This concept extends beyond mere connectivity, with digital literacy, trust, and safety also deemed crucial elements.

To enhance connectivity, Meta has made calculated investments in infrastructure initiatives. A prime example is the 2Africa project, a broad submarine cable system designed to boost internet access across more than 23 countries. Furthermore, Meta highlighted its contribution to training and capacity-building programmes, which have empowered hundreds of thousands of businesses, civil society organisations, young individuals, and educators within the region.

Moreover, Meta has demonstrated proactivity in initiating regional metaverse academies and skills training schemes, spearheading efforts with the inaugural regional Metaverse academy in Saudi Arabia. Of particular note is the significant proportion of female participant in the Skills Up programmes, signalling strides towards gender equality.

Reaffirming their commitment to corporate responsibility, Meta emphasises the incorporation of human rights into their services, products, and practices. Operating in harmony with UN guiding principles on business and human rights, Meta is conducting human rights due diligence to anticipate and address any potential implications that the metaverse might entail.

Overall, Meta envisions a collaborative model for the development of the metaverse, promoting multi-stakeholder participation. This is evidenced by their partnerships with universities globally, geared towards studying various aspects of the metaverse. Their membership in the XR Advisory Council and the XR Association further underscores this stance. Meta has categorically stated its belief that the fabrication of the metaverse requires collaboration from multiple entities.

Audience

Pablo Galvez, a tech policy advisor with experience serving the Peruvian government, emphasised the necessity of reinforcing capacity building during the digital era, especially for policymakers and government officials. Galvez’s expertise provides a reliable analysis of the interplay between advanced technology and policy-making. His argument cogently headlines the drive towards achieving SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions and SDG 4 – Quality Education.

Contrastingly, a potentially disconcerting perspective was tendered by Eric Hawkinson, a professor based in Kyoto. His scepticism lies with the feasible success of measures such as inclusivity and interoperability, given the prevailing incentive structures. This queries the optimism encircling improvement in digital literacy, potentially hindered by the latent inequalities within society. It underscores the hurdles involved in attaining SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities and SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

In a more technical realm, Michael Karanikolas, Executive Director of the UCLA Institute for Technology Law and Policy, highlighted the content and privacy challenges associated with extended reality. This neutral standpoint reveals an understanding of the importance of SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, particularly when dealing with new technologies that could inadvertently infringe upon personal rights and privacy.

Additionally, a query was posed about the collaboration between the Metaverse standardisation forum and established internet standardising bodies like IETF, World Wide Web Consortium, and ITU-T. This could signify the need to intertwine the Metaverse’s innovative landscape with classic systems, further fostering SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

Finally, the significance of achieving equilibrium between freedom and rules within the Metaverse was highlighted by Steve Park, the head of public policy for Roblox in the APAC region. This positive statement bolsters the Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions Goal (SDG 16), indicating a conscious endeavour to maintain order and encourage creativity in the emerging Metaverse.

In summary, this analysis shows the intricacies of fostering digital advancements, and how they’re woven into the societal and institutional fabric that steers these developments. From capacity building and incentive structures, to technology challenges and the balance within the Metaverse, a complex interaction exists between technology and society. The meticulous examination of these points gives us a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted challenges that lie ahead.

Akimasa Yamashita

The Kyoto Prefecture, in collaboration with the General Incorporated Association, has pioneered the implementation of ethical standards within the arena of metaverse construction. They have devised a set of ten ethical rules to guide behaviour within its virtual dimensions. This commitment to ethics reflects the deep-rooted social sensibilities of the region, wherein local businesses practice a tradition of prioritising social benefits over mere profit accumulation.

Contrary to what one might expect, the adoption of these ethical rules is voluntary. Companies are encouraged to embrace the guide by offering the opportunity to display a symbolic logo of ethical adherence as part of their branding. This quest is to foster a metaverse that epitomises freedom, sustainability, and inclusivity. The establishment of these guidelines exhibits the intent to create an ethical ‘rulebook’, bridging digital and real-world moralities.

Heritage companies in Kyoto exemplify this ethical model, traditionally assigning more significance to social values than to sheer profit. A significant proportion of these firms firmly advocate that adherence to high ethical standards is fundamental to their long-term survival in the commercial world. These principles underline the importance of responsible consumption and production, thereby exemplifying Goal 12 of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Kyoto firms boast a strong history of engaging in such ethical practices, often volunteering to disseminate information and engage in global dialogue via the internet. Through the inclusion and feedback from civil society within these practices, Kyoto furthers the development of a value-based ecosystem – a crucial element to the city’s ethical foundation.

An appeal is issued for increased cooperation among policymakers, stakeholders, and civil societies within this ethical framework. Insight derived from civil society is seen not only as valuable, but also influential, with the potential to shape other societies and serve as a key building block for the metaverse. This call for collaboration underscores the strategic goal of fostering activities at the civil society level to effect broader societal impact.

In summary, the core analysis presents several key observations. These include the vision of a metaverse informed by ethical guidelines, the advocacy for companies prioritising social value above profits, the integral role civil society plays in Kyoto’s value-based ecosystem, and the significance of collaboration towards achieving sustainable and ethical practices. This commitment mirrors several Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goals 9, 12, 11, and 17, supporting industry, innovation, responsible consumption and production, sustainable cities, communities, and partnerships at a global level. This serves as an eloquent testimony to the groundbreaking strides being made in Kyoto in the realm of ethical internet practices.

Audrey Plonk

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) plays a significant role in forming technology cooperation rules that embody democratic principles and human rights. This organisation’s influence is globally evident in privacy regulations originating from its guidelines. The OECD’s AI principles, created with a focus on human rights and democratic values, bear testimony to this commitment. However, the interpretation and deployment of these principles in tech governance vary depending on the specific technological context, necessitating rigorous research and analysis.

Particularly, immersive environments, such as those afforded by Virtual Reality (VR) technologies, warrant attention due to potential implications on mental health. People’s perception of behaviours can differ significantly in these environments compared to the real world. The OECD is currently undertaking thorough studies to better understand these effects across various policy domains, including privacy, security, and safety.

A concern within the technology sector is the ambiguity of terminology, which may lead to misunderstandings and wasteful duplication of efforts. Addressing this need for terminology cleanup and focussed definition, can result in better policy coherence, and seamless identification of gaps in understanding.

The VR headset market is heavily concentrated, with a notable 80-90% of all sales being monopolised by social media companies. Minor players account merely 10% of sales, with the major investments primarily fuelled by the gaming industry. Presently, VR is predominantly utilised for extending social media and gaming, yet it is pressing for diverse sectors to explore sustainable areas of deploying VR technologies beyond its current dominant use.

Concerns are continuously rising around the usage of VR, specifically regarding the collection of personal data. In a 20 minute VR simulation, approximately 2 million unique nonverbal body expressions can be recorded. This form of data, along with other psychological information collected, challenges the traditional principles of privacy and data protection.

Experts have also highlighted the need for an in-depth examination of the exclusive aspects of the technology sector when applying current guidance and principles, especially in the context of immersive worlds such as the metaverse or immersive VR. This approach can help avoid wastage of efforts and identify any gaps in understanding or application.

International cooperation tackling these challenges can be fortified through clear definitions and shared comprehension. Despite differing cultural and societal values, a common approach rooted in shared democratic values should form the foundation of policy recommendations.

In conclusion, while the swiftly evolving technology landscape raises substantial challenges, the OECD, among other international organisations, is actively guiding the development in a way that respects human rights, upholds democratic values, and addresses emerging threats and concerns.

Speakers