China is reportedly proposing to introduce its social credit system to the metaverse and other online virtual worlds. The proposals, put forward by state-owned telco China Mobile in discussions with the United Nations’ International Telecommunication Union (ITU), suggest implementing a digital ID for all users of the metaverse.
This ID would store personal information, including job details, and be shared with authorities to maintain order and safety in the virtual world. The system aims to enable quick identification and punishment of individuals who spread rumors or create chaos in the metaverse. The proposed system draws similarities to China’s existing social credit system, which scores and ranks citizens based on their behavior and has been used for enforcement purposes.
If approved, these proposals could have a significant impact on telcos and tech firms, as the ITU’s Metaverse focus group seeks to develop new standards for metaverse services. Chinese firms participating in the group have reportedly submitted numerous metaverse proposals compared to those from the United States and Europe, indicating a strategic effort to establish Chinese proposals as the metaverse standard in case of widespread adoption. Critics raise concerns about privacy and government control, questioning whether countries want to live in a metaverse where identity protocols are monitored by Chinese authorities.
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