France Launches Public Consultation on Metaverse to Counter Internet Giant Dominance

According to a consulting report released on Tuesday, France is organizing a public consultation on the metaverse aimed at blocking the dominance of international internet giants in the metaverse and seeking alternative solutions. The consultation will be open until May 2nd, with the aim of providing opinions from different stakeholders (citizens, companies, associations, researchers).

France seeks alternative solutions to prevent internet giants from dominating the metaverse

The metaverse is a virtual world where people can interact with each other through digital representations of themselves, known as avatars, and explore a vast range of virtual environments, activities and experiences. The concept has been gaining momentum in recent years, with the COVID-19 pandemic accelerating the shift towards digitalization and the need for remote social engagement. However, concerns have been raised about the potential domination of the metaverse by international internet giants, such as Facebook or Google, and the lack of regulation and governance over this emerging digital realm.
To address these issues, the French government is organizing a public consultation on the metaverse, inviting citizens, companies, associations and researchers to share their opinions and recommendations on how to ensure a fair and open metaverse that serves the public interest. The consultation started on April 20, 2021, and will run until May 2, 2021.

Why is France Holding a Public Consultation on the Metaverse?

The metaverse is expected to become a major part of the digital economy, with various applications in gaming, social media, education, health, retail, and even politics. It could potentially generate significant value and jobs, as well as transform the way people connect, learn, work and play. However, the metaverse is also facing several challenges that require thoughtful consideration and action.
Firstly, the metaverse is currently dominated by a few large tech companies, which may control the infrastructure, data, content and standards of the virtual world, and could exploit their market power to extract rents, stifle competition, and violate privacy and other rights of users. Secondly, the metaverse lacks clear rules and norms, as it is not yet subject to any specific legal or regulatory framework, which may create confusion, uncertainty and abuse. Thirdly, the metaverse raises ethical and social questions, such as the potential for addiction, exclusion, bias, radicalization, and manipulation, that need to be addressed in a transparent and participatory manner.

What is the Purpose of the French Consultation on the Metaverse?

The French consultation on the metaverse aims to gather diverse and informed opinions on the following issues:
– How to ensure a fair and competitive metaverse that fosters innovation, diversity, and user choice, and does not enable any dominant player to dictate the terms of engagement.
– How to protect the privacy, security, and dignity of users in the metaverse, and prevent any misuse, abuse, or discrimination based on personal traits or preferences.
– How to design a governance system for the metaverse that reflects the principles of democracy, transparency, and accountability, and involves all stakeholders in decision-making and rule-making.
– How to promote the creation and dissemination of high-quality and culturally diverse content in the metaverse, and foster the development of creative industries and local communities.
– How to address the ethical and social implications of the metaverse, such as the impact on mental health, education, freedom of expression, and social cohesion, and ensure that the benefits of the metaverse are widely shared and equitable.

How Can You Participate in the French Consultation on the Metaverse?

If you are interested in contributing your views to the French consultation on the metaverse, there are several ways to do so:
– You can visit the official website of the consultation and fill out the questionnaire, which covers various aspects of the metaverse and can be answered in French or English.
– You can attend one of the virtual workshops organized by the French government, which will bring together experts and stakeholders to discuss specific topics related to the metaverse and provide feedback to the policy makers.
– You can join the online discussion forums or social media groups dedicated to the metaverse, and share your ideas, concerns, and suggestions with other users and enthusiasts.
– You can organize your own local or virtual event to raise awareness about the metaverse and mobilize your community to participate in the consultation.

Conclusion

The French consultation on the metaverse is an important initiative that highlights the need for a public debate and engagement on the future of the digital world. By inviting diverse perspectives and proposals, France aims to develop a vision and a roadmap for a metaverse that respects human values, fosters innovation, and serves the common good. The success of the consultation will depend on the extent of participation and the quality of input from all stakeholders, and the willingness of policy makers to listen, learn, and act accordingly.

FAQs

1. What is the metaverse?
The metaverse is a virtual world where people can interact with each other through digital representations of themselves, known as avatars, and explore a vast range of virtual environments, activities and experiences.
2. Why is the French government organizing a public consultation on the metaverse?
The French government is organizing a public consultation on the metaverse to address concerns about the potential domination of the metaverse by international internet giants, such as Facebook or Google, and the lack of regulation and governance over this emerging digital realm.
3. How can I participate in the French consultation on the metaverse?
You can participate in the French consultation on the metaverse by visiting the official website of the consultation and filling out the questionnaire, attending one of the virtual workshops organized by the French government, joining the online discussion forums or social media groups dedicated to the metaverse, or organizing your own local or virtual event to raise awareness about the metaverse and mobilize your community to participate in the consultation.