Metaverse

Why in news?

• TRAI, recently, highlighted the challenges of Metaverse in a consultation paper.

About Metaverse

• The metaverse is a virtual reality space where people can interact with each other and digital environments in a shared online space.
• The idea is to create a fully immersive and interconnected digital realm that parallels the real world in many ways, offering a wide range of experiences and opportunities.
• Companies like Facebook (now Meta), Microsoft, and other tech giants are investing in the development of the metaverse.
• The metaverse is envisioned as a vast and interconnected digital universe that encompasses multiple virtual worlds, environments, and experiences. It’s not limited to a single platform but consists of various interconnected spaces.
• Users in the metaverse interact through digital avatars, which represent them in the virtual space. They can communicate with others, socialize, and collaborate, much like in the physical world.
• The metaverse is not limited to entertainment. It can be used for a wide range of activities, including work, education, social gatherings, gaming, art creation, commerce, and more. Users can switch between different aspects of their lives seamlessly.
• A significant aspect of the metaverse is the digital economy. Users can buy, sell, and trade virtual assets, such as clothing for their avatars, real estate in virtual worlds, and even digital art. Some people make a living by participating in the metaverse economy.
• Virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and 3D graphics play a significant role in creating immersive metaverse experiences. VR headsets, augmented reality glasses, and other technologies are used to access and navigate these digital realms.
• Online games like Fortnite and platforms like Roblox are considered early precursors to the metaverse. More advanced iterations are in development by companies like Meta (formerly Facebook) with its “Horizon Workrooms” and “Horizon Worlds” initiatives.

Challenges

• Threats of data breaches and misuse of personal data.
• Intrusive tracking of facial expressions, vocal inflections, and vital signs.
• May impact content moderation, cybersecurity, taxation, competition, and governance, etc.
• Promotes virtual currencies posing transaction risks.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

How many of the following are tools that can be used to access metaverse?

1. Wearable devices
2. VR headsets
3. 3D spatial scanners
4. Voice assistants

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All the four

Answer