How can the metaverse be made safe for everyone?​​ 

The metaverse is a digital universe that exists online, where users can interact with each other in virtual spaces. Although the concept of the metaverse is by no means a new one, it has become part of the mainstream conversation thanks to advances in technology that allow more users to have and share immersive experiences.​​ 

The metaverse is still new, and there are many hurdles to overcome. Two of the biggest  involve how we protect user privacy and how users secure their personal information. What steps are being taken to help make the metaverse safe for everyone​​ 

As with all online activity, privacy and security issues arise in the metaverse. Here are some examples:​​ 

• Identity theft: In the metaverse, identity theft might arise from hackers stealing avatars' personal information, such as their names, addresses, and credit card numbers. This can lead to financial loss and identity fraud.​​ 

• Large and extensive data accumulation: Metaverse technology may be used to collect large amounts of data about users, whether they realize it or not. Permission to accumulate this data may even be buried in the terms of service, meaning users agree to data collection simply through use of the platform. This data could be used, for example, for marketing purposes or sold to third parties.​​ 

• Social engineering attacks: These types of schemes use psychological manipulation tactics like making promises or demands to gain access to personal information such as passwords or credit card numbers. In the metaverse, social engineering attacks could be used to trick users into revealing their personal information or performing other actions that lead to financial loss.​​ 

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize these concerns.​​ 

There are several steps that users can take to make the metaverse a more secure place for themselves. This includes adhering to general safety standards, such as using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, learning about phishing attempts and other scams, and regularly updating your devices’ software.​​ 

It’s important to remember that, though many platforms offer some degree of protection to users, your security is your responsibility. This means doing your own due diligence and educating yourself on relevant laws, standards and common cyberthreats to ensure your metaverse activities are as secure as possible.​​ 

Know about data protection laws and policies​​ 

No matter what platform you’re using, you should always read the terms of service (ToS) and privacy policies that govern your use. It’s always important to try to learn about what you’re agreeing to before using a new online platform, whether it involves the metaverse or not.​​ 

Further, be sure to familiarize yourself with any local privacy laws that may apply to you. For instance, if you live in California or Virginia, you may have additional protections under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) or Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (VCDPA), respectively. This knowledge will allow you to make better-informed decisions about your use of the metaverse.​​ 

Use metaverse platforms with strong identity and validation standards​​ 

It’s important to understand the identity and validation standards of any metaverse platform before using it.​​ 

Stronger standards in a metaverse platform include:​​ 

• A robust system for verifying user identity.​​ 
• A clear and transparent policy for handling user data.​​ 
• Strict standards for content moderation.​​  

Educate yourself about cyberthreats​​ 

The metaverse is constantly evolving, and with that comes new cyberthreats. It's important to get accurate information about the most current safety and security threats so you can stay safe in the metaverse.​​ 

One of the best ways to stay safe in the metaverse is to educate yourself about the most common cyberthreats. Ultimately, education is key. Knowing what to look for means you can be more vigilant about protecting yourself against potential attacks.​​ 

The internet is great for keeping connected with friends and family. This section covers some helpful tips to help keep your family safe while enjoying the metaverse.​​ 

Make sure your child is old enough​​   

It's important for parents not to allow children to use metaverse platforms that are not designed for children. Here are a few reasons why:​​ 

    
• Kids may be more likely to be taken advantage of by predators.​​ 
    
• They may be more likely to engage in unintentional risky behavior, such as sharing personal information or meeting strangers in person.​​ 
    
• They may be exposed to inappropriate content.​​ 
    
• They may be exposed to cyberbullying.​​ 
    
• They are more likely to be victims of identity theft or cyberstalking.​​ 

Educate your family about reporting and blocking tools​​ 

There are blocking and reporting tools available on most platforms.​​ 

Blocking tools allow you to block other users from contacting you or viewing your profile or avatar. This can be helpful if another user is harassing you or you just don't want to be contacted by someone.​​ 

Reporting tools allow you to flag content or users that are inappropriate or that violate the terms of service of a platform. This can help ensure that platforms are aware of problematic content and can take action to remove it.​​ 

These tools can help keep you and your family safe on the internet. It's also important to teach your family members how to use them so that they can be as proactive as possible about their own safety.​​