The Citizens’ Panel on Virutal Worlds conducted workshops with 150 randomly selected citizens and concluded with 8 principles for fair and desirable virtual worlds.
- Freedom of Choice – Participation in virtual worlds should be voluntary, with no disadvantages for those who opt out.
- Sustainability – Virtual worlds should be environmentally friendly in their setup and use.
- Human Centered – Technology should serve users’ needs, rights, and expectations.
- Health – Both physical and mental health should be core considerations in virtual world development.
- Education & Literacy – Users should be equipped with the knowledge and skills to navigate virtual worlds.
- Safety & Security – Citizens must be protected from harm, including data theft and manipulation.
- Transparency – Regulations and data usage should be clear, protecting users’ data and well-being.
- Inclusion – Access to virtual worlds should be equitable, regardless of background or circumstances.
The project’s website with links to the final report and other documents can be found here: Virtual worlds panel - European Commission