Ethics guidelines for metaverse released by Korea's Science and ICT Ministry

SK Telecom's metaverse platform ifland [SK TELECOM]

A new set of non-binding ethics guidelines for metaverse services were announced by the government Monday, on which their terms of use will have to be based.

The guidelines came from the Ministry of Science and ICT during a ministers’ meeting held at the Seoul Government Complex in central Seoul under the title “Metaverse Ethical Principles.”Built around three core values — sincere identity, safe experience and sustainable prosperity —, the directives are meant to ensure that users are able to represent their truest identity in a safe virtual world built with a sustainable system that is inclusive to all members.

Another eight principles are set under the three pillars aimed at both the metaverse developers and users: Authenticity, autonomy, reciprocity, respect for privacy, fairness, personal information protection, inclusiveness and responsibility for future.

For instance, for authenticity, developers are recommended to make it possible for users to portray themselves as closely as they can to their real selves, and users are encouraged to try to understand the relationship between their egos in the virtual and real world.

Monday’s announcement comes on the heels of demands from the market and experts, upon the rapid growth of metaverse platforms and possible crimes in the digital world with the absence of laws to govern the newly-made services.

Concerns related to digital sex crimes, fraud and data piracy have been raised, especially regarding minors.

The guidelines are not legally binding but were made on the hopes of providing a code of conduct for metaverse users and managers to align their actions with, hence the broad terminology. A research team of 12 experts in ethics, data protection, law and engineering took part in analyzing a survey of 2,626 interviewees and other related data.

“The metaverse will expand and one day become a part of all our everyday lives such as in commerce, education, medical services and more,” said Park Yun-kyu, second vice minister of science and ICT, in a press release.

“The government will give its full support to make sure that people enjoy a safe metaverse with their sincere identity and that ensures future generations a sustainable prosperity through the metaverse."

Metaverse companies are also pitching in to make safer metaverse environments.

Naver Z, the operator of the Zepeto metaverse service, said Monday it formed a safety advisory council consisting of nine outside members to establish a safe environment for its users. The council will review all aspects related to user safety, including terms of use and technology. Zepeto has over 340 million users around the world.

Last September, Naver Z joined the Tech Coalition, an alliance of tech companies around the world dedicated to fighting against online sexual abuse and the exploitation of children.

BY YOON SO-YEON [yoon.soyeon@joongang.co.kr]