Chapter 1: The Concept of Metaverse Governance

In January, I authored a piece titled "A Metaverse Constitution is a laughable notion," in which I explored the absurdity surrounding the governance of the burgeoning Metaverse.

To illustrate my point, I remarked that it is highly improbable for any metaverse technology developer to relinquish control to a collective of social scientists, even if those scientists could agree on a legal framework. Reflecting on the historical context, the Constitutional Convention of 1787 in the United States extended nearly four months, involving affluent white men who shared similar viewpoints.

Consider the challenge of establishing foundational rules for a global platform where diverse interactions occur. Who holds the authority to legislate within the Metaverse? What mechanisms would ensure compliance? Spoiler alert: the United Nations will not be the enforcement body.

Fast forward a few months, and an article by Tiffany Xingyu Wang appeared in Fast Company. Wang, the co-founder of the OASIS Consortium—a group advocating for a more secure and benevolent internet—proposes the creation of a "U.N.-like entity" to formulate protocols enhancing trust and safety across all Metaverse platforms.

Here's how we can build a sustainable Metaverse.

Laughs

I need a moment to compose myself.

Chuckles

Alright, I’m ready.

How naïve can one be?

Wang references UN frameworks such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international covenants to support her vision of a governing body in the digital realm.

Let’s be clear: these agreements are largely symbolic. While they aim to foster diplomacy, the UN lacks real authority. It was intentionally structured without its own military or policing mechanisms to enforce its directives. As long as countries uphold their sovereignty, the UN can only suggest guidelines. The United States pursues its interests, China follows its agenda, and even Luxembourg acts independently.

Wang acknowledges this limitation, stating, "While adoption is voluntary, these protocols, crafted by experts sharing best practices, act as guiding principles that each nation can tailor to its society."

Establishing a new international governing body demands significant time, financial resources, and cooperation. Who would oversee such an organization? Would there be unanimous consent among nations? What jurisdiction would this body hold? How frequently would it convene?

To assume that a new authority could effectively govern a vast population of Metaverse users is far-fetched. This presumption relies on the belief that users would accept a centralized power within a decentralized platform—a space designed for open interaction and information sharing. On the internet, no entity dominates. There is no singular leader of the internet; no website reigns supreme, nor does any developer possess ultimate authority.

Furthermore, what motivation exists for nations to adopt these regulations? What incentive do large tech corporations have to implement equitable practices within the Metaverse? Just because it may seem ethical or beneficial doesn’t guarantee that companies will act swiftly, especially if it requires significant resources.

An additional concern arises from Wang and her team’s current efforts to draft standards, soliciting feedback from employees of major tech firms who might contribute to a set of guidelines applicable to both emerging and established brands.

Are they to be the architects of these regulations? What happens if a company opts not to comply?

While I believe Wang and her team have good intentions, they seem unaware of the UN's limited influence. Given my knowledge of internet dynamics and hacker culture, I suspect that their proposals will face considerable resistance. I anticipate that their recommendations will join the ranks of numerous other overlooked documents scattered across the digital landscape.

Chapter 2: The Challenges of Authority in the Metaverse

The video titled "Regulating the Future: What's Next for Metaverse Policy?" delves into the complexities of establishing governance in the Metaverse. Experts discuss potential frameworks, the role of technology companies, and the feasibility of regulation in a decentralized environment.