A need to urgently review how VR spaces are governed
Summary
Since releasing its ‘Safeguarding the Metaverse’ report in 2022, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) has acknowledged the significant potential of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality technologies, especially in fields like engineering, education, health, and social services. Alongside recognising these benefits, the IET has been actively advocating for the necessity to address the potential dangers these technologies present, especially to vulnerable groups like children. The passage of the Online Safety Bill through the House of Lords has established that the governance of the Metaverse falls under the purview of this legislation. In light of this, the IET suggests that the most effective approach to mitigate risks and ensure user safety is for Ofcom to conduct a prompt and comprehensive review of the regulations governing virtual reality (VR) environments. To support this initiative, the IET has reached out to Ofcom, offering assistance and expertise from the engineering and technology sector to help address this pressing issue.