Article 3

Martyna Kurek, Maciej Dymacz, Marzena Bakala-Sikora 

Association SEDA

Abstract
The purpose of this article is to make readers more aware of the risks posed by the Metaverse. Risks and dangers associated with different sectors, such as education, enterprise and health, are listed. The topic was researched using a systematic literature review technique that combined relevant keywords to find case studies, scientific research and suggested best practices. The articles included in the systematic review show that the use of the Metaverse in various sectors, in addition to its many advantages and pluses, also poses risks in many respects.

Keywords: Metaverse, dangers, cybersecurity, cybercrime

1. Introduction

There is a growing interest in the new capabilities of the Metaverse. This highly innovative technology is increasingly appearing in various contexts. As we learn from the modules of a European Union-funded project called WAKE UP, which outlines the many aspects and possibilities of the Metaverse, this technology has many advantages but unfortunately also many dangers. Metaverse used in education, in the hiring process, in the enterprise or in vocational training opens people's eyes to new possibilities in a very fast way. However, given the rapid development and fast-growing popularity of the meta-world, or parallel, virtual world, it is important to remember how much harm can come from using a technology that one has not yet fully learned. So one has to ask the question - Does the Metaverse represent a blessing or a curse for society? As highlighted in the various sections of the materials developed by the WAKE UP project consortium, there have always been good and bad people in the world. Just as the invention of the Internet has given society thousands of new opportunities to do good things, it has also given room for criminals who, thanks to the Internet, have achieved greater access to potential victims and thus their opportunities for say, sexual harassment or cyberbullying have become much greater. With the introduction of the technological Metaverse, additional forms of such danger are being created. The basis of security, whether in the real world, on the Internet or in the Metaverse, is awareness of threats. This is the only way to know how to avoid them. So in order to be a more informed Metaverse user in the future, let's take a look at the dangers that may await us in the virtual world.    

2. Data Protection and Privacy in the Metaverse

With every new platform or technology, in addition to new opportunities, there are also challenges related to data protection and user privacy, i.e., compliance with the principles of GDPR. Metaverse because of the powerful capabilities and possible scale of data processing. Companies processing personal data may need to conduct risk assessments, inform others, determine reasons for processing and obtain consents. They may also carefully process sensitive data, such as health or biometric information, as well as children's data. Companies must comply with privacy and data protection laws in different jurisdictions because of Metaverse's reach. Just as there is the concept of darkweb, which is the space of criminals on the Internet, one is increasingly hearing about the concept of darkverse. The high degree of freedom in the Metaverse world gives online criminals greater freedom to commit crimes without guilt because of the anonymity, free avatar design and virtual space through which a person can lose a sense of reality. The financial industry also faces a high risk of personal data leaking out and financial crimes. There is a real threat of fraud because the possibility of electronic transactions in the Metaverse world can attract a large number of financial fraudsters. It is therefore very important for companies to get trained in security issues and risk management before they start their operations in the virtual meta world. The basis for this is data, security and privacy management and policies. It is also necessary to work with an expert in the Metaverse.  

Technological developments in the Metaverse are progressing rapidly, which augurs further breakthroughs in the virtual world experience. Plans are underway for the next steps in entering the virtual environment through Neurotech, which will allow signals to be sent to the brain and thus full immersion. This will blur the distinction between the virtual world and the real world. Humans will not be able to distinguish between the world they are in physically and the Metaverse world, and without the need for an interface intermediary. This carries with it many opportunities at work, in education, at home or in gaming. However, one must ask oneself what the risk is behind such a blurring between these spheres. There is a great danger that users will lose themselves in the virtual world and lose their sense of the real world. With technological development, there is an increasingly noticeable slowdown in human development in terms of interpersonal relations or at least coping with stress or emotions. Of course, the negative impact on the human psyche depends on the mental strength of the user. Mentally stronger people will not suffer as much as weaker people, who may lose themselves in a world of illusion. In psychology, the concept of FOMO - fear of missing out, or fear of being behind on social media, has developed in recent years. Given this type of disorder, also the threat of addiction to the virtual world is growing. It's important to remember that these dangers have all been around since the Internet existed. However, with a range of new opportunities and expanded horizons in the Metaverse, these dangers and risks are also proportionately greater.  

4. Conclusions

In conclusion, it can be said that Metaverse threats are real and must not be underestimated. The basis of defense against these threats is awareness and education about possible methods of protection against them because each new technology brings with it a host of new opportunities, while presenting a new set of challenges and threats, like the proverbial Prometheus fire.  

5. Resources  

Keating E., Nannetti S., Ganis J. The Metaverse: Risks and Opportunities for Businesses. Clifford Chance 2022.  

Kye, B., Han, N., Park, Y. & Jo, S. (2021). Educational applications of metaverse: possibilities and limitations. Journal of Education Evaluation for Health Professions. doi: 10.3352/jeehp.2021.18.32   

Skowrońska A. (2022). Monitoring trendów w innowacyjności – Raport 12. Polska Agencja Rozwoju Przedsiębiorczości Grupa PFR. str. 51-61   

Wilson I. (2023). Dlaczego metaverse wiąże się z szansami i zagrożeniami. NTT Data. https://nttdata-solutions.com/pl/blog/dlaczego-metaverse-wiaze-sie-z-szansami-i-zagrozeniami/#what-are-metaverse-risks   

Metaverse przyniesie nowe doświadczenia oraz zagrożenia (2023). ISB Tech. https://www.isbtech.pl/2023/01/metaverse-przyniesie-nowe-doswiadczenia-oraz-zagrozenia/   Matasz M., (2021). Jakie będą skutki metawersum? "Wszystko zależy od nas". Wirtualne Media. https://www.wirtualnemedia.pl/artykul/skutki-metaverse-swiat-metawersum