Written By The Metaverse, a virtual reality space where users can interact with each other and digital objects in a fully immersive environment, has been a buzzword in tech circles for years. Recently, social media giant Meta (formerly Facebook) has been leading the charge towards the creation of a Metaverse that is accessible to all, including minors.
However, Meta’s plans to allow minors into the Metaverse have sparked controversy and criticism from various quarters. Concerns have been raised about the potential risks to children’s privacy and safety in this virtual world.
Meta has announced that it plans to launch a version of its Horizons Workrooms app, which allows users to meet and collaborate in virtual reality, specifically for kids aged 9 to 12. The company has stated that the app will feature parental controls, moderation tools, and other safety measures.
However, child safety advocates and lawmakers have expressed skepticism about these assurances. In a letter to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, US Senators Ed Markey and Richard Blumenthal wrote: “Children are not equipped to handle the complex and sophisticated issues that arise in the Metaverse, such as cyberbullying, sexual harassment, and data privacy.”
The senators have called on Meta to halt its plans for kids’ access to the Metaverse until the company can prove that it can adequately protect children’s privacy and safety.
Child safety experts also worry about the potential for children to become addicted to the Metaverse and spend excessive amounts of time in this virtual world, to the detriment of their physical health and social development.
Meta has responded to the criticism by stating that it takes the concerns of child safety advocates seriously and is committed to implementing robust safety measures in its Metaverse products. The company has stated that it will continue to work with lawmakers, regulators, and other stakeholders to ensure that its Metaverse is safe for all users, including minors.
The debate over Meta’s plans for kids’ access to the Metaverse is likely to continue as the company moves forward with its ambitious plans to create a fully immersive digital world. The tech industry is eagerly anticipating the launch of Meta’s Metaverse, which many believe will revolutionize the way we interact with each other and the digital world.
However, it remains to be seen whether Meta can address the concerns of child safety advocates and convince regulators and lawmakers that its Metaverse is safe for children. The stakes are high, as the Metaverse has the potential to become a major part of our daily lives in the coming years.
As journalists, it is important to keep a close eye on developments in the Metaverse and report on the potential risks and benefits of this emerging technology. We must hold companies like Meta accountable for their promises to protect users’ privacy and safety, especially when it comes to vulnerable populations like children.
