Law or ethics? Two Ways to Regulate the Metaverse

History repeats itself. It happened to the internet. It happened again with social media. Now back to the metaverse.

Every time there is technological progress, a whole range of endless possibilities open up. But there is also skepticism and public distrust. Fear of the potential dangers they entail.

The same postulates that apply to the Internet and social networks are valid now. The metaverse itself is neither good nor bad. It all depends on how we use it. And this use is directly related to our ability to regulate its operation.

Regulation is necessary for users. But also for companies that are starting to settle in this virtual universe. The risk is clear to everyone. Entering the metaverse without clear regulation can cause a crisis due to some mistake or inattention.

In addition, any crisis usually generates a loss of reputation. And, depending on the nature of the scandal, significant financial losses.

two possible ways

Ethics and law are the two main ways in which the metaverse and every other aspect of life is regulated. They are sometimes considered two sides of the same coin, but they have important differences.

On the one hand, ethics is a preventive approach to a priori. And this is facilitated by the protagonists of the activity they want to regulate. They establish criteria for determining best practices.

For its part, the law usually operates with a corrective approach, rear, and the answer is exactly the opposite. That is, they are trying to put an end to bad practices that have already taken place. In addition, regulation comes from outside.

Ethics in business strategy

Ethics is also usually a more flexible and faster mechanism than law. So this seems like the best way to regulate the functioning of the metaverse. And provide peace of mind and confidence to users and companies.

However, information about the progress of the metaverse shows us that companies hardly take ethics into account in their strategy. They talk about ethical and economic aspects, but never, or almost never, about normative ones.

The presence of ethical regulation seems necessary. This would help to minimize the risks associated with the nature of these virtual scenarios.

Ethical Elements of the Metaverse

When preparing it, three main elements must be considered:

1. Control: Users must be given space and even the ability to make decisions.

2. Transparency: information should be as clear and complete as possible to avoid mistrust.

3. Accountability: companies must disclose their activities at all times.

Basic ethical principles

With every technological breakthrough, another debate arises: do classical ethical principles serve the new realities? The principles are valid, but they need to be reformulated. Adapt them to the new context. But what are these principles?

1. A responsibility. To all those who promote the metaverse, professionals and users. They all need to be aware of the consequences of their actions.

2. Data processing. Privacy needs to be properly managed. For example, biometric data.

3. Truth and authenticity. First of all, when it comes to identity verification systems.

4. Respect for autonomy and free will. Of particular importance for the regulation of informed consent.

kids in the metaverse

Age control, regulation of access and identification so that adults do not pretend to be children, and vice versa, are essential.

We are still on time. If all participants agree, they can be reached. Not waiting for governments or legal bodies to take the first step.

It is good that the administration is sensitive and delve into this issue. But ethics always gives this plus of confidence and calmness.

Jesús Diaz-Campo, Assistant Provost for Research and Professor of Communication, UNIR – International University of La Rioja

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original.

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