Immersive technologies—Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)—will shape the next phase of the digital transformation. It is still unclear what form this next evolutionary stage of the internet will take. However, it is already evident that VR and AR applications raise numerous questions from a consumer policy perspective. It would be risky to wait until the next "iPhone moment" arrives, and the new technologies gain momentum, before starting discussions on consumer protection in the future internet. As part of a forward-looking and innovation-oriented consumer policy, the opportunities and risks of VR and AR from a consumer standpoint should be addressed today. This is where the present Policy Brief comes in, identifying four key areas that should be the focus when developing a consumer-protective regulatory framework for immersive technologies: ensuring secure digital identities, effective privacy protection, protection from manipulation, and protection from physical and mental health risks. Based on this analysis, the brief outlines potential actions for a forward-looking consumer policy at the European level, such as within the framework of a future Digital Fairness Act or by introducing a Virtual Worlds Fairness Pledge.
Link to publication.