Regulating Biometric Data Privacy In Virtual Environments: Legal Implications In The Metaverse
- IJLLR Journal
- Mar 18
- 2 min read
Kruthika B, Christ (Deemed to be) University
ABSTRACT
A distinctive and pioneering term in this digital transformation era is the "Metaverse." It is a three-dimensional immersive experience of a universe manifested by integrating the physical and virtual worlds to provide a seamless occurrence to an individual. Metaverse is a new cyberspace application that incorporates different technologies, such as Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Extended Reality (XR), Blockchain (BC), and Artificial Intelligence (AI), into the real world. Users interact and connect by providing all their necessary biometric data, which includes various distinctive traits such as facial recognition, iris or retina scan, fingerprints, physiological reflexes, voice tones, etc.., which these technologies scrutinize and process. Furnishing biometric data is fundamental in these spaces as it plays a substantial part in users' experience in the era of Metaverse. However, it raises critical apprehension over the privacy and security of an individual’s identity, as individuals who engage in these artificial worlds often encounter threats like identity theft, unauthorized access to personal data, misuse of information, targeted advertising on online platforms, and content manipulation. While navigating virtual reality, they imprint sensitive traces of information called digital footprints that are vulnerable and susceptible to dark web exploitation. It also raises doubts regarding accountability and liability in case of any breach of personal data. This paper analyzes and focuses on the legal implications arising in this field and explores the potential challenges of biometric data privacy in Metaverse. It emphasizes the need for a stringent regulatory framework in this dominion. The paper also compares legal frameworks across different jurisdictions, including the United States and the United Kingdom, alongside India's approach to data privacy regulation and its management.
Keywords: Biometrics, Data Privacy, Metaverse, Legal Implications, Virtual Environment
