Advocacy Groups Urge Meta Corporation to Reconsider Allowing Minors into Horizon Worlds Metaverse

It is reported that dozens of advocacy organizations and internet security organizations called on Meta Corporation to stop the plan to allow minors to enter Horizo n Worlds metaverse. The company began planning to open its digital world to users aged 13 to 17 in February. Currently, this application is only applicable to 18 years old.

Human rights experts urge Meta to introduce age limits for the metaverse

The use of virtual reality as a social platform has increased tremendously over the years, with millions of people all over the world embracing the metaverse. However, with the recent announcement by Meta Corporation to open its digital world, Horizon Worlds, to minors aged 13 to 17, there has been an uproar from advocacy groups and internet security organizations. The groups have called on Meta Corporation to reconsider the move, citing significant concerns about the safety and well-being of young people.

The Plan to Allow Minors into Horizon Worlds Metaverse

Meta Corporation, formerly known as Facebook, announced in February 2022 its plan to expand its virtual reality offerings by opening Horizon Worlds to minors aged 13 to 17. Currently, the application is only applicable to those who are 18 years old and above. Horizon Worlds is a virtual reality platform that offers users the opportunity to interact with others, play games, and explore different worlds.

Concerns of Advocacy Groups and Internet Security Organizations

The announcement by Meta Corporation has been met with significant concern from advocacy groups and internet security organizations. The groups are worried that allowing minors to enter the metaverse could lead to a range of issues, including online predators, cyberbullying, and exposure to inappropriate content. The advocacy groups also argue that minors are not yet fully equipped to navigate the complexities of virtual reality technology and the internet.
Moreover, the groups worry that their safety is not guaranteed in this digital realm, and privacy concerns around young people’s data that Meta Corporation could use are not being adequately addressed. Advocacy groups and internet security organizations have argued that the risks to minors’ safety and well-being outweigh any potential benefits of expanding the company’s digital offerings.

The Need to Consider Safety and Well-being of Minors

The safety and well-being of minors should be a crucial consideration in any decision that affects their participation in online platforms. The metaverse presents new challenges as it is vast, and it is not always clear who is behind the digital avatar. As a result, advocacy groups and internet security organizations are urging the Meta Corporation to prioritize the safety of minors in its expansion of Horizon Worlds.
Additionally, there is concern about the type of content that is available to minors on the platform. Inappropriate content such as violence and nudity could have a damaging impact on young people. For this reason, advocacy groups and internet security organizations have called for stricter content moderation tools that utilize artificial intelligence to filter inappropriate content.

Conclusion

Advocacy groups and internet security organizations are united in their call for Meta Corporation to reconsider its plans to allow minors to enter Horizon Worlds metaverse. The safety and well-being of young people must remain a top priority as we continue to witness the growth of virtual reality technology. With proper safeguards in place, virtual reality has the potential to be a powerful tool for socialization and education for young people. However, it is important that all stakeholders work together to develop standards that protect minors from harm.

FAQs

What are some of the risks associated with minors using virtual reality platforms?

The risks associated with minors using virtual reality platforms include exposure to cyberbullying, online predators, and inappropriate content. Advocacy groups and internet security organizations argue that minors are not yet fully equipped to navigate the complexities of virtual reality technology and the internet.

How can the safety and well-being of minors be ensured in the metaverse?

Stricter content moderation tools, such as artificial intelligence-based filters, can help to prevent inappropriate content from being accessible to minors. Additionally, implementing safety features such as parental controls and data privacy policies that protect the user’s data can also be helpful.

What are some of the benefits of virtual reality technology for young people?

Virtual reality technology can provide exciting and immersive learning experiences for young people. It can also be used to foster social connections, particularly for those who may have difficulty making friends in the physical world.