Metaverse technology is the integration of the virtual and real worlds experienced using Virtual Reality headsets. Beyond virtual reality (VR), Mixed Reality (MR) and Augmented Realities (AR) make the metaverse a platform for immersive social interactions.
The growth of Metaverse over the past few years makes it a most talked about emerging technology that is reshaping our world in ways we never imagined possible.
Like I always say, if you have ever played a 3D game wearing a VR headset, the Metaverse experience will become even much clearer.
Metaverse offers a myriad of great opportunities for business, education, entertainment and more. These opportunities make it one of the most south after; little wonder Facebook renamed her group to meta, Google and other tech big players are diving into it.
The truth is, there is still stuff we can’t do in the Metaverse space… Surprised? Well, here are some of the things you won’t be allowed to do in Metaverse space.
1. You can’t promote Any Product
Or Service Considered Harmful To Users
Many virtual worlds have developed strict rules about what products and services that can feature in the Metaverse. Products and services users consider harmful are not allowed to be advertised on the platform. Products and Services include everything from tobacco to weapons and drugs. Some virtual worlds only allow you to feature products and services that are approved by their moderators. Others will allow you to feature products and services, but only if the advertisers pay the virtual world a fee. Virtual worlds that don’t allow any product or service advertising at all usually have a set of rules posted on their website that specify what you cannot promote. If you break these rules, you could be permanently banned from the game.
2. You Cannot Use Violence Against Anyone
The violence of any kind is strictly prohibited in the virtual world. While this may seem obvious, it’s important to note that you can’t use guns, blasters, grenades, or even magical spells against other avatars. The only way to defend yourself in the metaverse is to run away and/or log out of the virtual environment. The only exception to this rule is if you’re playing a game that is based around combat. In this case, you will be given a set of rules and a warning before the game begins that you can’t engage in any form of real-world violence.
3. You Can’t Own Another Avatar
You can’t own another avatar in the metaverse. The reason for this rule is that some users may try to mislead other avatars into “selling” their avatars to them. Once a user signs over ownership of their character, it’s very difficult to get it back. However, rare exceptions to this rule would be if you are taking part in a role-playing game, that permits you to buy another avatar. This is usually done with a set of in-game credits that you earn by completing quests or by spending real money.
4. You Can’t Use Racist Or Sexist Statements
If you are the type given to using derogatory words or sexist comments, you might find it uneasy in the metaverse.
Many virtual worlds have strict “no hate speech” policies that might attract an outright ban. Only words considered “family friendly” are allowed. This means that if you want to play in a virtual world with younger children, you should Just be mindful and very polite in your interactions.
5. You Can’t Exhibit Nudity In Any Form (Including art)
While some virtual worlds allow you to feature nudity, most don’t allow any form of nudity on the platform. The main reason for this rule is due to the breach of the privacy of users. Some people are in the virtual world to prey on the personal information of users, especially children and teenagers. Most parents on the other hand don’t want to expose their kids to nudity, and neither do most adults. Virtual worlds that feature nudity usually require you to be 18 years or older. They also usually allow only art nudity (such as sculptures, paintings, and drawings) and require that all models be at least 18 years old.
6. You can’t Touch Anyone Without Their Consent
This rule is so important because it’s the only way to prevent someone from physically assaulting another user and breaking the law in the virtual world. New users when entering the metaverse will always ask, “how do I touch things?” If you can only touch someone, if the person consents to be touched, only then will you have to move your avatar’s hand.
7. You Can’t Break The Law Or Break Any Of The Rules Of The Metaverse
Laws and rules are given to mitigate abuse and ensure proper conduct.
Most virtual worlds have a set of rules that users must follow to stay safe. If a user breaks a rule, they will usually be temporarily or permanently banned from the platform. Most virtual worlds ban users for everything from exchanging real-life information with other users to using abusive language or hate speeches, harassing other avatars, exchanging real-life information, and advertising harmful products or services among many others.
The list is replete but for time and space constraints, we will have to settle for these seven till the next publication.
