Last week on May 10th representatives from the Metaverse Institute spoke at the British Legal Technology Forum 2023 in London, discussing the ethical impact of the metaverse and how the legal profession could boost the development of ethical approaches to develop VR, AR, and XR technologies.
When talking about the metaverse we refer generally to the convergence of physical and digital realities, which provides immersive experiences and new business models for users. As this technology develops and becomes more widely adopted, it's crucial for professionals in the legal industry to understand the implications and potential benefits of operating within the metaverse.
The panel discussion focused on several key points, including the future vision of legal services in an open virtual world, the benefits of remote working, virtual offices, legal hearings, connection, collaboration, security, evidentiary trails, and greater efficiency, and the potential ethical implications of using metaverse technologies.
One important question raised was whether the metaverse has the potential to change ethics, governance, and societal rules.
The panel acknowledged the work from the Metavethics Institute and the message regarding the important need to consider these implications and develop evidence-based guidelines and regulations that ensure the responsible use of emergent technologies such as VR, AR, and XR in combination with AI.
The panel also considered the question of whether the law needs to change to adapt to the new realities presented by the metaverse.
It was suggested that legal frameworks may need to become more flexible to adapt to changing circumstances, as entering and operating in the metaverse requires understanding the technologies and their developments.
The panel suggested that it is important to stay informed about the development and potential implications of these technologies. Furthermore, it is crucial to consider the ethical implications of using these technologies and develop guidelines and regulations that ensure their responsible use.
The panel included Jed Stone, Director of Issured Limited, and Co-Founder of MEA Connexus, and Dr. Matteo Zallio, Founder, and Chief Metavethics Architect, and the session was moderated by Professor Lisa Wilson.
The potential impact of the metaverse on the legal profession is significant.
The development of virtual offices, remote working, legal hearings, and collaboration offers the potential for greater efficiency and security.
However, it is crucial to consider the ethical implications of using these technologies and to develop guidelines and regulations that ensure their responsible use.
The panel discussion at the British Legal Technology Forum 2023 provided valuable insights and guidance for legal professionals as they navigate the rapidly evolving space of VR, AR, and XR technologies.
To accelerate the guidance for legal professionals in the rapidly evolving emerging technology world, at the Metavethics Institute, we have a dedicated team working to research evidence to establish ethical policies, best practices, and standards across accessibility, integrity, privacy, safety, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Our vision is to enable sustainable ethical, and inclusive efforts for technology-driven organizations by securing access for people of different ages and abilities, guaranteeing socio-economical access for people across the world.
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