According to Mark Zuckerberg and other supporters, it is anticipated that the internet will soon evolve into a metaverse. Referred to as the “embodied internet” by Zuckerberg, this concept is faced with several hurdles, including technical implementation and political approval. In The Daily Bundle, we discussed these challenges and explored potential solutions.
One of the biggest obstacles for companies like Facebook/Meta and other major players investing in the metaverse is the matter of privacy. Given the many privacy concerns that have been raised about a majority of IT companies supporting the metaverse, public skepticism is understandable.
Before evaluating its feasibility, it is critical to examine the potential privacy implications of the metaverse. Given the history of some of the organizations that endorse the idea, particular emphasis should be placed on how data is handled and stored.
Tiresomely Abundant Inquiries
Frances Haugen, a former Facebook employee who recently blew the whistle, has informed the Associated Press that if the metaverse becomes widely adopted, the company could potentially have greater influence over the internet. While Haugen’s assertions seem valid, the situation seems to be more intricate than was originally suggested.
While Facebook/Meta is expected to play a crucial role in promoting the metaverse, there are several other organizations and entities contemplating their participation in its development. Hence, while Meta may be a significant contributor, it is not the sole one.
Facebook has replied to Haugen’s propositions by asserting its commitment to responsible development of the metaverse, emphasizing that this is not a task that can be accomplished by a single company in a day. The aim is to partner with experts, organizations, and governments to ensure that the metaverse reaches its full potential.
Given the complexity and scale of the metaverse, relying solely on public statements of purpose for reassurance is insufficient as it requires collaboration from multiple stakeholders, rigorous oversight, and a broad interconnected network of devices. Although the significance of implementation cannot be overstated, there is still insufficient knowledge regarding the details of the process.
The growing metaverse presents a challenging dilemma that raises numerous queries that must be addressed. How will the metaverse gather the necessary data to offer its highly personalized service? What type of hardware will be required in a household to access the metaverse? Who will be responsible for managing the servers that power the metaverse? What measures will be put in place to safeguard user privacy? How can non-profit organizations ensure that businesses maintain appropriate standards in the metaverse? Finding answers to these questions is crucial for the metaverse’s future.
There are numerous questions, too many to list.
The Unattainable Goal
Facebook/Meta has pledged to take all necessary steps to reduce the amount of data utilized in the metaverse. Moreover, the company has committed to developing technologies that will allow users to have more transparency and control over their data while safeguarding their privacy. Given Facebook’s history of privacy allegations, this appears to be a reasonable assurance.
Although the Metaverse, as an extension of the existing internet, may have some potential drawbacks, optimizing the amount of data required for its operation could be challenging. This is because developers will need extensive information on individual users to provide a tailored experience, rather than the generic customer service that would be accessible without such data.
Facebook aims to offer users a central hub for their social and business dealings by collecting user data, which is necessary. The features and services promised would be impossible to provide without it. All transactions conducted on the platform rely on the exchange of information, and it is reasonable for there to be concerns about the data being “anonymously stored” and used to “improve the platform”.
Even if Meta succeeds in providing an immersive virtual reality experience with minimal data collection, it is expected that the Metaverse will be made up of various endeavours. It is understandable why other organizations might try to acquire data covertly.
I am optimistic that the required legislation will be enacted to prevent abuses. However, despite the existing regulations, some businesses continue to flout them. Addressing this issue is critical if we want the metaverse to become a reality.
The metaverse’s underlying architecture must be mentioned because it is critical for its operation. Setting up a vast network of remote servers, portable devices, and sensors would expose a significant attack surface to hackers. The vulnerabilities of IoT devices are well-known, and it is probable that comparable risks will apply to the metaverse.
Safeguarding data is of utmost importance. To guarantee the security of all data kept in the metaverse, robust and anticipatory measures should be implemented. As there is no perfect resolution, the metaverse must embrace a pre-emptive cybersecurity approach to fulfill its full potential.
Further Research is Imperative
You may be curious about why I have such firm views on the metaverse at this stage. The metaverse is undoubtedly an enticing notion that, like the internet when it was first made accessible to the general public in the 1990s, could result in several positive societal advancements. However, I am attempting to be practical in my approach.
Considerable effort is required before the metaverse can be regarded as a feasible alternative. As we are already talking about the metaverse’s potential as the internet’s future, it is crucial to contemplate the potential problems that may arise. Although we may disagree on which of these problems is more pressing, it has become progressively apparent that everyone must be safeguarded from external threats.
It is crucial to acknowledge that, while I am not necessarily against the notion of the metaverse, we must be watchful regarding the potential privacy risks. We should not dismiss it outright, but it is crucial that we openly discuss the implications of the technology before we get too entrenched. Given our recent experiences with social media, it is vital that we step back and consider the direction this technology may take us in the future.
