The fast pace of technological advancement and the cross-border nature of digital services present great opportunities but also challenges for individuals, societies and institutional frameworks.

It is the task of governments to protect human rights and the rule of law in the digital environment. However, companies play a critical role in addressing technology-related challenges because they provide and control the digital infrastructure. A constructive, open and inclusive multi-stakeholder approach is therefore required to find effective and sustainable solutions. The Council of Europe has initiated in 2017 a digital partnership with leading technology companies and their associations to enables company representatives to sit side-by-side with governments and civil society when shaping policies related to digital technologies, in the perspective of the respect of human rights and supporting democracy and the rule of law.

Back Risks and opportunities of the Metaverse evaluated in Paris by the PACE Committee on Culture, Science, Education and Media

Risks and opportunities of the Metaverse evaluated in Paris by the PACE Committee on Culture, Science, Education and Media

On Thursday, 23 March 2023, Patrick Penninckx, head of the Information Society Department of the Council of Europe, addressed the PACE Committee on Culture, Science, Education and Media in Paris, presenting the Metaverse's impact on human rights, democracy and the rule of law, examples of potential benefits and legal challenges inherently tied to the novice character of the Metaverse. Participants further exchanged on these challenges and potential responses.

In October 2022, the Parliamentary Assembly appointed Andi Lucian Cristea (Romania, SOC) as rapporteur on the issue of "Risks and opportunities of the Metaverse". The PACE report will analyse the issues at stake, including the role that the Council of Europe could play in the Metaverse, review existing systems and standards both in its design and use, and provide recommendations to member States on how to ensure the protection and promotion of democracy, human rights and the rule of law, including via this new and potentially revolutionary technology.

The Council of Europe is also preparing a report on the "Challenges of Immersive Realities" in cooperation with IEEE, one of the world's largest technical professional organisation gathering communities and experts of engineering, computing and technology information.

 Presentation

 Details on the PACE website

See also thematic pages:

Paris 23 March 2023
  • Diminuer la taille du texte
  • Augmenter la taille du texte
  • Imprimer la page

Protecting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in the digital environment

 

WWW.COE.INT/DIGITAL

Resources & Updates
Follow us