New Report Raises Concerns About Potential Social Inequalities, Abuse, and Mental Manipulation in the Metaverse
NEW YORK, July 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The metaverse has the potential to empower individuals, particularly those facing vulnerability in the real world, but could also accentuate social inequalities and increase the risk of abuse and manipulation. This is the finding of Human Vulnerability in the Metaverse, a new research paper that explores potential risks and challenges posed by the development of the metaverse. Co-developed by Vulnera and the Alliance for Universal Digital Rights (AUDRi) (co-founded by Equality Now and Women Leading in AI), the report emphasizes the need for careful consideration and proactive measures to protect the rights and well-being of individuals, particularly those who are vulnerable or marginalized.
- This is the finding of Human Vulnerability in the Metaverse , a new research paper that explores potential risks and challenges posed by the development of the metaverse.
- The report acknowledges the positive impact the metaverse could have in empowering individuals, particularly those who experience vulnerability in the offline world.
- A particularly alarming aspect is the new channel for abuse that the metaverse provides, including sexual assault and image-based abuse.
- "We cannot responsibly talk about the potential of the metaverse without considering safety, accessibility, and how you create a metaverse which is human-centered and respects and promotes human rights," Gibson says.