Ethics in the Metaverse

In Fall of 2021, Mark Zuckerberg announced that Facebook would be changing its name to Meta and would pour time, resources and capital in developing its new virtual reality platform. Meta is not alone, other major technology companies including Microsoft, Apple, Nvidia, Epic Games and a half dozen more are making major investments in developing VR platforms for the new metaverse.

These technologies are celebrated for their endless possibilities and ability to immerse users in virtual yet “safe” spaces. We must remember, however, that users are real people and just like in the real world, people can be harmed in virtual spaces. However, incidents have emerged illustrating that the risks present in our tangible world are mimicked in virtual spaces. These technologies—as they are currently being adopted—perpetuate the same hostility, harassment, and bullying of marginalized people and communities that we find in other social and cultural spaces.

We argue that the creators of these worlds must construct strong codes of ethics to maintain safe environments and protect those individuals and communities who are relatively more vulnerable and hold less power in cultural spaces.

In a best-case scenario, all the companies that are establishing a platform for the metaverse would identify core values and put together a code of ethics and robust ethics program. Our hope in proposing a code here is to serve as a starting point for conversation about what might be included in such a code. A code of ethics might also be seen as twofold in this case. One purpose is to help a company identify important principles that will guide decision-making, design and maintenance of a metaverse. The second would be to help guide standards and practice for the users of the metaverse. The points made here might serve as a starting point for either or both.

A Code of Ethics for the Metaverse

There are seven points in this suggested code. Ideally, a code should be both broad and brief. If a code cannot be articulated on, say, a single page, there is a risk users will never refer to it. With brevity though, comes the risk of superficiality. We try to walk the fine line between these two.

1. Show Respect—Treat others with respect and dignity. Though you see avatars on the screen in many forms and fashion, behind each avatar is a real human being and should be treated as such. People are never a means to an end but have inherent value themselves.
2. Tell the Truth—People in virtual settings may take on different roles or identities for gaming, roleplay, or personal reasons. However, if you are playing a role, you should let others know. Your life is your business, but we do not endorse lying, misleading or willfully deceiving others.
3. Do no Harm—Take no actions in the metaverse you know or suspect might harm another person or group of people.  Anticipate how your actions might impact others, as best you can. Mitigate harm and work for good.
4. Show Concern—In your actions and words in the metaverse, consistently show care and concern for other people. Concern and care for others is rooted in relationships and listening. Are you showing empathy for others? Do you have an appreciation for the interest, feelings, and viewpoints of others?
5. Work for Good—Do not enable bad behavior. If you witness abuse or harassment, speak up, report it, and do not be silent. Does your behavior help make you a better person? Is this action I am taking, or are these words I am speaking consistent with acting my best? Are my efforts demonstrating mutual concern for the shared interests of all members of a community?
6. Demonstrate Tolerance—Acknowledge cultural difference and be open and receptive to its beauty. Respect and appreciate the culture and ideas of others, and work toward mutual understanding.
7. Respect Privacy—Do not collect information and data from other metaverse citizens and disseminate it without their consent. Have I respected other people’s right to keep certain information to themselves?

View, print, or download: "A Code of Ethics for the Metaverse."