Childrens’ Privacy and Vulnerability Issues encapsulated in the Contents of Metaverse

An Exploratory Study

Abstract

The metaverse is a collection of every virtual world built using block chain technology. Metaverse can be a gaming planet or NFT’s or gaming galleries, curated lands, or digital streets. It is the aggregate of the new digital spaces that people are calling in the next generation of the internet. The present study attempts to investigate the vulnerabilities and privacy concerns of children encapsulated in the Metaverse. The researchers applied in-depth interview technique to get acquainted with multiple aspects related to the complexities involved in metaverse. As it is a pioneering study of futuristic technology, there are least studies available on the topic. Therefore, researchers took insights of two technical experts that greatly enriched the present study to conduct qualitative content analysis. Further, after applying qualitative content analysis tools to analyse the texts, images, visuals, and oral materials, the researchers found that due to being a futuristic study, there remains certain limitations and the amount of data seems to be comparatively low. There seems to be privacy and security issues surrounding the virtual world of Metaverse. The study found that children are the ones who are supposed to be most affected sufferers of metaverse and if no precautions, security measures, or any other safety measures are applied it would be a threat to the children.