Major telecom operator China Mobile has proposed a special digital identity system for all users of the metaverse. It reportedly includes a batch of personal data such as the physiological and social characteristics of users, their occupations, and much more.
However, many experts consider this idea dangerous. Any information about violations in the metaverse will be available to authorities and law enforcement agencies. For instance, if a user spreads false information or commits fraudulent or other illegal actions in the virtual world, the digital identity system will quickly detect a violation. This would allow the police to promptly find and punish a perpetrator.
China Mobile's initiative is based on the so-called social rating, which is common in China. This social credit system is designed to rate the trustworthiness of citizens and organizations. The mechanism uses a number of criteria to gauge users’ characteristics.
This proposal is currently under consideration by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Notably, this organization sets global rules for working with digital technologies. Earlier, in 2022, the National People's Congress adopted urgent measures to regulate the metaverse. China’s government proposed legislation aimed at preventing digital addiction and ensuring content security. The key focus was on the suppression of illegal activities in the virtual world.
According to Chris Kremidas-Courtney, a senior researcher at think-tank Friends of Europe, such a system violates principles of privacy and freedom. In the metaverse, with personal data under Chinese authorities’ control, users cannot feel comfortable. China is looking ahead, striving for global digital leadership. The country seeks to assert state control over virtual environments, the analyst summed up.
