In the Matrix—Consumer Privacy in the Metaverse
Organization
Option consommateurs
Published
2024
Project Leaders
Written by Sara Eve Levac and Luis Pineda
Summary
The metaverse, developed mainly by the video game industry, offers a range of possibilities for consumers—meeting with friends, playing group sports, or taking part in events such as online concerts. Although the metaverse is still an emerging phenomenon, economic actors expect it to grow significantly in the coming years.
The technology that makes the metaverse experience possible collects a wealth of data, including a person’s physical, physiological and behavioural characteristics, such as their voice and face. These data, when correlated with other personal information, present risks for consumers, especially vulnerable groups such as children.
The privacy policies and terms of use of companies taking part in the metaverse are not always transparent about the increased risks for consumers. The key issues identified include a vast amount of documentation and a lack of clear information, especially with regard to how personal data is processed.
The metaverse environment raises a number of legal issues concerning the validity of consent, the definition of biometric data, and the protection of children’s rights. At the same time, future technological advancements, including the possibility of inferring consumer interests and preferences from peripheral devices used for eye tracking, bring to light the obsolescence of Canadian privacy laws.
As a solution, we are providing recommendations based on international standards. For example, we are proposing that companies provide a comprehensive list of the terms of use and privacy policies that apply to their products. We are also proposing that Parliament make it mandatory by law for decisions on children’s information to be made in their best interests and that information must be made available in plain language for consumers. Lastly, we are encouraging the government to clarify protections related to biometric data and the limits on its use.
Project deliverables are available in the following language
OPC Funded Project
This project received funding support through the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada’s Contributions Program. The opinions expressed in the summary and report(s) are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. Summaries have been provided by the project authors. Please note that the projects appear in their language of origin.
Contact Information
Myriam Chagnon, Assistant Director General
507 Place d’Armes, Suite 1101, Montréal, QC H2Y 2W8
Telephone: 819-994-5444, 1-800-282-1376
Email: mchagnon@option-consommateurs.org
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