The metaverse seems to be the latest buzzword in tech.
In general terms, the metaverse can be viewed as a form of cyberspace.
Like the internet, its a world or reality, even beyond our physical world on Earth.
A boundless marketplace
Transactions in the metaverse are generally monetized using cryptocurrency or NFTs (non-fungible tokens).
The NFT market is booming in some cases, were talking aboutsalesequivalent to millions of pounds.
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First, ownership can be attributed in the actual physical artwork.
But what kind of ownership is precisely included in a transaction of digital art?
In such instances, true ownership still lies with the owner.
Do the intricacies of land law apply here?
For example, will real-world legislation cover trespassers on private land in the metaverse?
Can you take out a mortgage on your virtual property?
What kinds of laws can be put in place to safeguard against this happening in the metaverse?
Data
Another possible legal implication of the metaverse is around data and data protection.
The metaverse will expose new categories ofour personal datafor processing.
And if we look to the avatars location, how would we determine which jurisdiction the metaverse falls under?
Imagine one avatar assaults another.
Could we apply criminal laws of assault and battery to this situation?
How could we make an avatar responsible for their actions in the metaverse?
Proving assault or battery would also be much more difficult because it usually requires actual bodily harm.
In the metaverse, there will naturally be no actual bodily harm.
It would be challenging to prove harm, loss, or injury suffered by an avatar.
For example, weve seen incidents ofgroping.
Sexual harassment lawsdo not require physical contact to constitute sexual harassment.
But are existing laws adequate to deal with this issue?
These issues should all be addressed before the metaverse becomes mainstream.
