Introducing Digital Identity in Metaverse, ‎Identifying Related Legal Challenges and Solutions

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 ‎PhD Graduated in Private Law, Faculty of Law and Political Science, ‎Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran. ‎

2 Associate Professor, Department of Private Law, Faculty of Law and ‎Political Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.‎

Abstract

Abstract
Metaverse is a Three-dimensional (3D) virtual framework where users can communicate with each other and engage in various activities. Despite the advantages that have led to the development of Metaverse, this environment also has many legal challenges. Along with new opportunities, this virtual world has caused different legal problems. Among these problems are issues related to preserving the integrity of the physical and spiritual personality of people, as well as how to protect intellectual property rights and even material property rights of people. Regardless of the challenges, one of the most important concerns for users who are active in this virtual world is how to protect their digital identity and personal data in the metaverse. Explaining that people in the metaverse are in the form of avatars; Avatars are a representation of a person's personality in the metaverse and allow users to recreate not only their physical appearance but also their movements and behaviors. The use of avatars has created various challenges. One of the most important challenges is how to protect information privacy, specifically protecting personal data in the Metaverse, as well as the possibility of giving avatars personality. The stated issues are the main questions that this research has answered with a descriptive-analytical approach and the use of comparative studies.
Now there is no specific law for metaverse. Therefore, it is difficult to control this virtual world and the flow of legal protections for it, even though many people are related to Metaverse for various reasons and the lack of a legal framework is inappropriate and even dangerous. According to the above, the solution is to use related legal frameworks in the effective legal systems regarding Metaverse as well as the Iranian legal system. In other words, some provisions of related laws and regulations in the EU legal system can be used as an effective legal system for this issue. The European Digital Identity Regulation, as well as the legal related to artificial intelligence in this legal system, are among these matters. In addition, it is appropriate to pay attention to the legal frameworks related to the protection of personal data in each of the legal systems due to the connection between digital identity and personal data. In this regard, it is possible to use the European General Data Protection Regulation and the proposed documents related to personal data in Iranian law. Considering that one of the most important aspects of protection based on the previous frameworks is the existence of various obligations for controllers and processors and numerous rights for data subjects; It seems that the use of these obligations and rights in Metaverse will lead to legal protections in this environment.
blockchain technology can also be used to control the metaverse. Blockchain is a safe and widely used technology that is significant in various fields. Regarding the current discussion, blockchain can be used as a platform for realizing legal protection in the metaverse and monitoring it. Each of the different types of blockchain - mentioned in this research - controls the metaverse in a way and specifically protects personal data and identities in this environment. According to the results of this research, it seems that the use of private blockchains is more suitable due to the better implementation of laws and regulations on it, as well as the ability of legal institutions to monitor it. Of course, the use of this technology has also been evaluated in some legal systems, including the European Union, while this has not been achieved in Iranian law. For this reason, the Iranian legislator should - with the help of people who are experts in this technology - determine the legal opinion regarding which of the types of blockchain is more suitable for realizing comprehensive protection for digital identities in the metaverse.

Keywords

References

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Law Quarterly
Volume 53, Issue 2
August 2023
Pages 349-372

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