• China is reportedly proposing to implement a system akin to its social credit system in the metaverse and other online virtual worlds.
• The proposed digital ID would harbor personal information and identifiable signs, and the data would be permanently stored and shared with authorities.
• The proposals were put forward as part of discussions with a focus group on the Metaverse put together by the United Nations’ communications technology agency the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
China Proposes Social Credit System for Metaverse
China is pushing for a system similar to its existing social credit system to be implemented in virtual worlds like the metaverse. State-owned telco China Mobile has proposed a digital ID for all users that would store personal information such as job details, allowing police to quickly identify and punish problem users who spread rumors or cause chaos.
Data Permanently Stored & Shared With Authorities
The digital ID would include natural characteristics and social characteristics, with data stored and shared permanently with authorities. This proposal mirrors China’s current social credit system which scores citizens across various metrics, punishing those who misbehave by blocking them from purchasing plane or train tickets.
Proposals Discussed By UN Communications Technology Agency
The proposals were presented as part of discussions held by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), a United Nations communications technology agency focusing on developing new standards for metaverse services. The ITU will meet again in October when these proposals could potentially be voted on.
Implications For Telcos & Tech Firms
If approved, these proposals could have major implications for telcos and tech firms around the world, leading them to consider how they will maintain order in their own virtual spaces if similar systems are adopted elsewhere.
Chinese Firms Participating In Focus Group
Chinese firms are among those participating in this focus group, suggesting an overarching interest in seeing these proposals become official standards in the future.