South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT released a guideline of core ethical principles for metaverse application participants, which includes users and developers, at a ministerial meeting on Monday.
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The science ministry said its metaverse guidelines are based on three core values — sincere identity, safe experience and sustainable prosperity. The guidelines identify eight principles to support its core values: authenticity, autonomy, reciprocity, respect for privacy, fairness, data protection, inclusiveness and responsibility for the future. The guidelines are not legally binding, but the science ministry encouraged metaverse participants to refer to them. Various issues have emerged within the metaverse in South Korea, the science ministry said, such as the circulation of indecent content to minors.South Korea has reported various cases where a minor was involved in sexual harassment or abuse in metaverses.South Korean lawmakers have proposed several amendments to existing laws related to sexual crimes to include penalties for sexual misconduct between virtual avatars.
See related article: South Korea and Meta to ramp up metaverse safety
