When most people hear the phrase “virtual reality,“ they probably think of the clunky and uncomfortable headsets popular in the 1990s. However, recent advancements in VR technology have made it possible to create much more immersive experiences, in turn leading to a resurgence in interest in VR, and businesses are starting to take notice.
“Metaverse” is a term used to describe a virtual world created by combining elements of the real world with elements of the virtual one. It describes a type of augmented reality with the potential to change the way we interact with the world around us.
The Technology Powering Metaverse
The technology behind the metaverse is still in its early stages, but it holds a lot of promise. One of the most promising aspects of the metaverse is its ability to create a more realistic and immersive experience for users.
Avatars
Avatars are one way that the metaverse fosters such immersion. Avatars are digital representations of people that can be used to interact with the virtual world. They can be customized to look like their users and can be equipped with a variety of different features.
Some avatars can even track users’ movements and replicate them in the virtual world, creating a more realistic experience; features like that make it possible for users to interact with each other more naturally.
Virtual Reality
The metaverse also makes use of virtual reality (VR) technology, simulating a computer-generated environment that can mimic real-world conditions. This allows for a more immersive experience, making users feel more like they are actually in a virtual world.
This technology is still in its early stages, but it has the potential to revolutionize how we navigate the world.
Augmented Reality
Augmented reality describes an enhanced version of the real world created by combining elements of both the virtual world and the real world. This level of immersion makes the VR experience feel more natural while taking advantage of the unique strengths of inhabiting a virtual world.
3-D Printing
The metaverse is also associated with the use of 3-D printing, a process that allows for the creation of three-dimensional objects. You can use 3-D printing to create everything from avatars to physical objects that can be used in the virtual world.
Holograms
Holograms are three-dimensional images created by projecting light onto a surface. Holograms also make it possible to create three-dimensional objects usable in the virtual world.
Brain-Computer Interfaces
Brain-computer interfaces are devices that allow for direct interaction between the brain and a computer. BCI technology allows you to control VR avatars and other digital objects with your thoughts.
Artificial Intelligence
Computer systems that are designed to replicate human intelligence, AI systems can learn, reason, and make decisions on their own. They can also be used to process and interpret large amounts of data, making them essential tools in big data analytics.
Legal Issues
As the metaverse is still in its early stages, there are several legal issues that still need to be addressed. Below, you’ll find descriptions of some of the most important issues.
Gambling And Lottery Laws
The metaverse is often used for gambling and lottery games. A number of countries have laws prohibiting gambling, and these laws may apply to metaverse games. It is important to check the laws in your jurisdiction and consult a lawyer before participating in any metaverse gambling.
Privacy And Cybersecurity Laws
Since the metaverse is a decentralized platform, it is not subject to the same privacy and cybersecurity laws as traditional centralized platforms. This means metaverse users may have less protection against cyber-attacks and data breaches.
Some of the key questions to consider when it comes to privacy and cybersecurity include:
- What personal information are you sharing on the metaverse?
- Who has access to your personal information?
- How is your personal information being used?
- Is your personal information being shared with third parties?
- What security measures are in place to protect your personal information?
A POTENTIALLY LARGE Marketplace
The metaverse’s decentralized nature means that there are no boundaries when it comes to buying and selling goods and services. This can be a great opportunity for businesses to reach new markets, but it also entails some risks, largely in the form of fraud and scams.
User Interactions
The way users interact with each other on the metaverse can have a significant impact on their experience. It is important to be aware of the risks associated with interacting with others on the metaverse.
Final Words
The metaverse is a new and exciting technology with the potential to revolutionize how we interact with the world around us, but these legal issues — as well as others — need to be addressed before the tech can reach its full potential.
If you are thinking about using the metaverse, make sure to do your research and consult with an expert before getting started.
Olga V. Mack is the CEO of Parley Pro, a next-generation contract management company that has pioneered online negotiation technology. Olga embraces legal innovation and had dedicated her career to improving and shaping the future of law. She is convinced that the legal profession will emerge even stronger, more resilient, and more inclusive than before by embracing technology. Olga is also an award-winning general counsel, operations professional, startup advisor, public speaker, adjunct professor, and entrepreneur. She founded the Women Serve on Boards movement that advocates for women to participate on corporate boards of Fortune 500 companies. She authored Get on Board: Earning Your Ticket to a Corporate Board Seat and Fundamentals of Smart Contract Security. You can follow Olga on Twitter @olgavmack.
