As the metaverse continues to grow, concerns about the ability to maintain privacy in this virtual world grow. A new study by researchers at the University of California, Berkley suggests that protecting privacy in the metaverse may be impossible.
The study examined how user data is collected and used in the metaverse. They found that even with the best of intentions, it is nearly impossible to maintain user privacy in a virtual world whose basic functionality relies on data collection.
Researchers have found that simple movement data is not that simple. Even the most basic data, like movement and location, can reveal significant amounts of personal information. With enough data points, a person’s behavioral patterns can be analyzed and even predicted. Due to the specificity of the movement data, a clear identification is possible in a few seconds.
The elimination of anonymity is another problem in the Metaverse, according to the study. Platforms often require users To with a username, and connecting and interacting with other users are core features of Metavers. This means that a user’s activities are not only linked to their unique identification, but also to their social network. The study suggests that social pressures to conform can lead to increased data sharing, limiting a user’s ability to control their information.
Motion data is fundamental to the Metaverse, and researchers say it’s impossible to maintain privacy while enabling all available experiences. In virtual worlds like Second Life, VR Chat and Roblox, motion data is collected and analyzed to create immersive experiences for users. The recorded data is not limited to movements and location, but can also include biometric data such as heart rate and skin conductivity. This data can then be used for targeted advertising or even identity theft.
While this data collection is often done to improve user experience, it can also be used for more nefarious purposes, such as: B. targeted advertising or even identity theft. The researchers note that there is a fundamental tension between the need for data collection in the Metaverse and the need to protect privacy.
In addition to collecting user data, the researchers also found that the Metaverse is a place of surveillance. Platforms like Second Life and VR Chat have moderators who monitor user behavior and can even kick them off the platform if they break the rules. According to the researchers, this type of surveillance can be used to silence dissent and stifle freedom of expression.
The study concludes that while there are ways to mitigate metaverse privacy loss such as encryption or decentralization, these solutions are not foolproof. As the Metaverse continues to grow and evolve, it will be important for users to be aware of privacy risks and take steps to protect themselves.
The study has important implications for the development of the metaverse, which is already attracting significant investment from tech giants like Facebook and Microsoft. These companies have made privacy a core part of their product development in recent years, but the study suggests that even with the best of intentions, maintaining privacy in the metaverse may not be possible.
As the Metaverse grows, it is important that policymakers, industry leaders, and users work together to develop new standards and policies for data collection and privacy. The researchers suggest that this could include developing new encryption technologies, promoting decentralization and giving users greater control over their data.
If we don’t know what the future of the Metaverse will hold, one thing is certain: privacy will be a major concern that will continue to cause problems for users and creators in the future.
Source: University of California Berkley study
And you ?
What do you think of the results of this study? Do you find them relevant?
See also:
The Metaverse threatens user privacy far more than mobile apps, headsets, and smart glasses will be able to collect a massive amount of data
Zuckerberg’s Metaverse will violate workers’ privacy and could force more people to reveal more data, says whistleblower Frances Haugen
87% of users believe the Metaverse will seriously compromise their privacy, yet 74% plan to use it once it’s available to them, according to NordVPN
33% of meta developers see privacy laws as a barrier, increasing concerns about privacy in this virtual world