European Union lawmakers want the 27-nation bloc to take the lead in setting up the metaverse to reduce technological dependencies on other countries and support EU companies.
The call was part of a report by the European Parliament’s Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee on opportunities, risks and policy implications of virtual worlds. The metaverse is a collection of virtual worlds that form an imagined future Internet that is a shared, interactive and potentially immersive digital environment. The commission approved the report on Tuesday by 31 votes in favor and two against.
The committee’s work follows the European Commission’s plans for the metaverse published in July. The EU executive body did not propose any laws to cover virtual worlds, but said oversight of the metaverse needs new standards and global governance. The commission’s strategy on Web4 and the metaverse defines virtual worlds as “immersive and persistent environments based on 3D and extended reality (XR) technologies.”
The committee’s report notes that metaverse projects have so far been developed by “a few companies based outside the EU, which have the necessary resources and financial capabilities” and calls for the EU to take a leading role.
“Europe cannot afford to be left behind in the next digital revolution nor can we repeat past mistakes,” said Pablo Arias Echeverría, the rapporteur who guided the initiative through parliament. “As we move towards Web 4.0 with the development of virtual worlds, we have to lay a foundation, rooted in digital standards, guiding principles and strong EU values. Europe has to lead this transition, putting citizens at the center! center of our digital future!”
The legislators call for “promoting a level playing field to boost European companies” and creating an appropriate political framework that involves other countries.
“Risks related to mental health, data protection, consumer protection and cyber violence need to be addressed,” a statement about the report says.
