How France’s Public Consultation on the Metaverse Can Challenge the Dominance of Internet Giants

According to a consulting report released on Tuesday, France is organizing a public consultation on the metaverse aimed at blocking the dominance of international internet giants in the metaverse and seeking alternative solutions. The consultation will be open until May 2nd, with the aim of providing opinions from different stakeholders (citizens, companies, associations, researchers).

France seeks alternative solutions to prevent internet giants from dominating the metaverse

The metaverse is the newest digital space where people can interact, transact, and create in a three-dimensional imaginary world. It is a virtual universe where we can experience things that are not possible in the real world. This immersive and interconnected digital world is gaining popularity, and besides its entertainment value, it is becoming a vital part of digital economy, particularly after the pandemic. However, digital monopolies such as Facebook, Meta, Amazon, and Google are looking to dominate this digital landscape, raising concerns about data privacy, user protection, and fair competition. In this article, we will discuss the recent public consultation on the metaverse launched by France and how it is intended to address these concerns.

What is the Public Consultation on the Metaverse?

According to the consulting report released on Tuesday, France has organized a public consultation focusing on the metaverse. This public consultation is aimed at blocking the dominance of international internet giants in the metaverse and seeking alternative solutions. The consultation will remain open until May 2nd, and it is intended to gather opinions from various stakeholders, including citizens, companies, associations, and researchers.
The public consultation on the metaverse is a democratic and participatory process that aims to engage citizens in decision-making about the future of this digital world. It provides an opportunity for people to express their thoughts, concerns, and expectations about the metaverse and how it should be governed. This consultation also intends to explore the possibility of building a European version of the metaverse, which is more independent, safe, and democratic.

Why is the Public Consultation Necessary?

The rapid growth of the metaverse has attracted the attention of digital monopolies, which aim to dominate this digital space, just like they have done to the internet. Digital monopolies such as Facebook’s Meta, Amazon, and Google are expanding their services to the sphere of metaverse, taking over content creation, hosting, and even user data. This raises concerns about user privacy, data protection, and monopolistic practices.
Moreover, digital monopolies tend to prioritize their business interests over users’ interests and public goods, such as access to information and public interest content. These practices affect the diversity of content and the quality of user experience in the metaverse. The public consultation on the metaverse aims to address these concerns by promoting transparency, accountability, and user participation in governance.

How Can France’s Public Consultation on Metaverse Challenge the Dominance of Internet Giants?

France’s public consultation on the metaverse provides an opportunity to explore alternative solutions that promote fair competition and user protection. For instance, developing a decentralized metaverse that is governed by its users’ rules might ensure that user data is protected from monopolistic practices. Also, building a European alternative to the metaverse could ensure a democratic and independent digital space that is not dominated by international internet giants.
Furthermore, the public consultation provides opportunities for digital entrepreneurs, artists, software developers, and researchers to contribute to the development of the metaverse. The public consultation on the metaverse could result in an innovative and diverse metaverse that is accessible to everyone and free from monopolistic practices.

Conclusion

France’s public consultation on the metaverse offers an opportunity to democratize the metaverse and challenge the dominance of digital monopolies. It provides a platform for people to express their views, ideas, and concerns regarding the future of this digital space. The consultation aims to promote user protection, fair competition, and innovation in the metaverse. It could lead to a decentralized and diverse metaverse that prioritizes user interests over business interests.

FAQs:

1. What is the Metaverse and why is it significant?
The Metaverse is a series of interconnected 3D virtual environments that enable people to communicate, interact with others, and perform activities that may not be possible in real-life. It is significant as it provides a new type of experience which includes social interaction, entertainment, and work.
2. What are the concerns associated with digital monopolies in the Metaverse?
The concerns with digital monopolies in the Metaverse relate to user privacy, data protection, and fair competition. Digital monopolies may prioritize their business interests and undervalue public goods, such as access to information and public interest content. This can affect the diversity of content and the quality of user experience within the Metaverse.
3. How can France’s public consultation on the Metaverse challenge the dominance of internet giants?
France’s public consultation on the Metaverse provides a platform for people to share their thoughts, ideas, and perspectives on the future of this digital space. By synthesizing feedback from different stakeholders and exploring alternative solutions, the Metaverse could enable more innovation, user protection, and fair competition.