In the framework of the Latvian Presidency's priority of supporting the Council of Europe digital agenda, the Committee of Ministers is holding an informal meeting on 14 September to explore the potential impact of immersive realities such as the Metaverse, on human rights, the rule of law and democracy.
Industry representatives, human rights organisations, researchers and academics will present their views and discuss with the Committee of Ministers the opportunities and the challenges brought by immersive realities.
Frequently associated with the concept of Metaverse, immersive realities create a virtual world that blurs the distinction between digital and physical space and has the potential to revolutionise how individuals interact which each other and the world.
The meeting will explore best practices for protecting fundamental rights in the context of the Metaverse, as well as how to identify potential legal regulatory challenges. It is crucial to explore and understand how immersive realities can contribute to improving the daily lives of citizens, but also how they may impact democratic institutions and processes and the enjoyment of fundamental rights.
The Council of Europe Digital Agenda 2022-2025 identifies the Metaverse as a development raising multiple challenges and requiring particular attention from the Organisation. Ambassador Jānis Kārkliņš, Latvian Chair of the Committee of Ministers, and Patrick Penninckx, Head of the Information Society Department, will open the event, which starts at 14h30 and ends at 18h00.
