AR/VR

Content Moderation in Multi-User Immersive Experiences: AR/VR and the Future of Online Speech
Multi-user immersive experiences (MUIEs)—three-dimensional, digitally rendered environments where multiple users can interact with other people and virtual objects in real time—present new content-moderation challenges. Policymakers should work with those developing MUIEs to balance user safety, privacy, and free expression.
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For a menu of actionable ideas for policymakers, see ITIF’s “Tech Policy To-Do List.”

AR/VR
Check a box to narrow search for individual content items that cover numerous issues.
April 28, 2022
Lessons from Social Media for Creating a Safe Metaverse
While scrutiny of metaverse platforms is essential to ensure a safe, equitable, and inclusive environment, policymakers should be cautious of rushing to regulate the metaverse, such as by eroding intermediary liability protections or restricting the use of “algorithms” because allowing platforms the freedom to experiment and innovate will best position them to address new challenges.
March 17, 2022
The Erosion of Intermediary Liability Protections Can End the Metaverse Before It Even Starts
Platforms will have to deal with two difficult questions when moderating content. First, what is the right balance between user safety and user privacy? Second, what is the right balance between accuracy and speed in content removal?
March 3, 2022
Animosity Towards “Big Tech” Should Not Drive Regulators to Hamper the Nascent VR Market
The VR market is a relatively young market with rapidly changing conditions and multiple competitors trying to establish their name.
February 28, 2022
Content Moderation in Multi-User Immersive Experiences: AR/VR and the Future of Online Speech
Multi-user immersive experiences (MUIEs)—three-dimensional, digitally rendered environments where multiple users can interact with other people and virtual objects in real time—present new content-moderation challenges. Policymakers should work with those developing MUIEs to balance user safety, privacy, and free expression.
November 15, 2021
Public Policy for the Metaverse: Key Takeaways from the 2021 AR/VR Policy Conference
AR/VR technologies have transformative potential in everything from entertainment and communication to workforce development and education. But they also raise unique considerations on issues that policymakers are grappling with in relation to other technologies, such as privacy, safety, security, and equity.
October 21, 2021
The Augmented and Virtual Reality Policy Conference
Through a series of expert talks and panels, this half-day conference organized by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation and the XR Association explored the role of policy in AR/VR innovation and identified priority areas for policymakers to consider as these technologies continue to expand.
August 30, 2021
The Promise of Immersive Learning: Augmented and Virtual Reality’s Potential in Education
AR/VR solutions can enhance classroom experiences and expand opportunities at all levels of learning. The federal government should support further innovation by investing in research, skill-building, content development, and equitable adoption of immersive technologies.
August 9, 2021
Attracting Foreign Direct Investments Through Augmented and Virtual Reality
Attracting foreign investment is a key component of many countries’ economic development strategies. AR/VR solutions can help the process by providing engaging storytelling tools, helping to visualize potential investments, and reducing the need for in-person meetings and site visits.
June 1, 2021
Risks and Challenges for Inclusive and Equitable Immersive Experiences
AR/VR has the potential to make both digital and non-digital services more inclusive and equitable. To achieve that goal, industry leaders and policymakers should take steps to mitigate potential unintended consequences.
June 1, 2021
Principles and Policies to Unlock the Potential of AR/VR for Equity and Inclusion
To maximize the benefits of AR/VR technologies, developers, policymakers, and organizations implementing them should consider a variety of user needs from the outset. Government should lead by example as an early adopter of inclusive AR/VR, and it should and establish standards and best practices for equity and inclusion in immersive experiences across sectors.

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