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In February 2022, Gartner predicted that 25 percent of people will spend at least one hour per day in the metaverse by 2026. Backed by technology giants like Google, Microsoft, and Meta, this environment has the potential to change many aspects of people’s everyday lives. Even concepts like the virtual workplace are becoming increasingly appealing.

According to xrtoday.com, Innovators investing in the metaverse have already begun to share their insights on the benefits this unique landscape could bring. Considering the rapid surge in data protection issues and cyber-attacks following the acceleration of digitization triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise of the spatial communications platform could potentially lead to similar issues. Many experts are already discussing concerns over cybercrime, fraud, and even the protection of individual users.

The highlighted concerns regarding the expanding use of the Metaverse included:

Identity theft: The use of sensors, eye-tracking and face-tracking technologies means criminals could have access to a wider range of tools, allowing them to impersonate victims more convincingly. These stolen identities could even manipulate other users.

Money laundering: Cryptocurrencies are already being used in the metaverse for both legitimate and criminal activities. With platform-specific cryptocurrencies emerging, there could be new challenges to address regarding money laundering.

Ransomware: The increased importance of digital assets in the metaverse puts companies under increasing pressure to protect their IP. If companies lose assets in the XR landscape, this loss could lead to greater consequences, and issues of fraud.

Harassment: The report also examines the potential for real-life harassment and abuse spilling into the metaverse. Reports of people being sexually assaulted in digital environments have already begun to emerge. These virtual events could be just as impactful as those in the physical realm with increasingly realistic XR experiences.

Child protection: There’s also a concern to address around the concept of protecting children and vulnerable individuals. This new landscape could introduce new ways of grooming and virtually assaulting children.

Prepared to dive into the world of futuristic technology? Attend INNOTECH 2023, the international convention and exhibition for cyber, HLS and innovation at Expo, Tel Aviv, on March 29th-30th

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