S. Korea releases ethical guidelines for the metaverse

South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT released a guideline of core ethical principles for metaverse application participants, which includes users and developers, at a ministerial meeting on Monday.

Fast facts

• The science ministry said its metaverse guidelines are based on three core values — sincere identity, safe experience and sustainable prosperity.
• The guidelines identify eight principles to support its core values: authenticity, autonomy, reciprocity, respect for privacy, fairness, data protection, inclusiveness and responsibility for the future.
• The guidelines are not legally binding, but the science ministry encouraged metaverse participants to refer to them.
• Various issues have emerged within the metaverse in South Korea, the science ministry said, such as the circulation of indecent content to minors.
• South Korea has reported various cases where a minor was involved in sexual harassment or abuse in metaverses.
• South Korean lawmakers have proposed several amendments to existing laws related to sexual crimes to include penalties for sexual misconduct between virtual avatars.

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