European legislators call for metaverse strategy to reduce technology dependence on other countries | CoinDesk JAPAN

European Union lawmakers want the EU’s 27 countries to take the lead in creating a metaverse to reduce technological dependence on other countries and support EU business.

The call is part of a report by the European Parliament’s Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee on the opportunities, risks and policy implications of virtual worlds. The Metaverse is a collection of virtual worlds that will form the future of the Internet, a shared, interactive, and immersive digital environment. The committee adopted the report on November 28 with 31 votes in favor and 2 votes against.

The Commission’s work follows the European Commission’s plans for the Metaverse, announced in July. The EU executive body did not propose legislation covering virtual worlds, but said oversight of the metaverse requires new standards and global governance. The European Commission’s strategy on Web4 and the Metaverse defines virtual worlds as “persistent immersive environments based on 3D and augmented reality (XR) technologies.”

The commission’s report notes that the Metaverse project has so far been developed by “several companies based outside the EU with the necessary resources and financial strength,” and that the EU will now play a leading role. We are asking you to fulfill the following.

“Europe cannot afford to be left behind in the next digital revolution, nor can we repeat the mistakes of the past,” said Pablo Arias Echeverría, who led the effort through parliament. “As we step into Web 4.0 with the development of a virtual world, we must build on a foundation rooted in the EU’s strong digital rules, guiding principles and values. We must lead the transition!”

Lawmakers are calling for the creation of an appropriate policy framework that “fosters a level playing field to strengthen European business” and involves other countries.

The report also states that “risks related to mental health, data protection, consumer protection and cyber violence need to be addressed.”

｜Translation: CoinDesk JAPAN
｜Edited by: Toshihiko Inoue
｜Image: Shutterstock
｜Original text: EU Lawmakers Call to Reduce Tech Dependency on Other Countries With Metaverse Strategy