AI bots to user data: Is there space for rights in the metaverse?

Some of the thorniest issues around the metaverse revolve around users’ personal data and privacy rights. — Technology photo created by creativeart - www.freepik.com

From virtual goods to AI-powered avatars that can be hired out by companies, a fast-growing digital world is pushing ownership and privacy rights into unchartered territory.

Facebook’s recent announcement that it is investing heavily in the so-called metaverse – a virtual environment where people can meet, play and collaborate – is fuelling debate about how to protect basic rights as more and more activities move online.