The French government is soliciting feedback on the metaverse, which it refers to as the “virtual immersive universe,” alongside concerns about potential obstacles users may face while interacting with it.
The French Directorate General for Enterprise issued a consultation on April 11 requesting responses to a series of queries regarding “virtual spaces” from businesses, associations, citizens, and researchers.
It was stated that the purpose of the consultation is to enable the public to express their anticipations for metaverse technology and to “offer an alternative to the immersive virtual universes currently provided by international giants.”
It highlighted the rapid development of virtual and augmented reality technology, stating that it has become “an essential part of the economic debate,” with many businesses positioning themselves as solution providers or users.
The consultation avoids using the term “metaverse” explicitly, stating that it is still “subject to discussion in the public debate” and providing an opportunity to “question its relevance.”
The consultation includes questionnaires for citizens, businesses, associations, and researchers. However, they are all primarily focused on the level of knowledge surrounding virtual spaces, the demand for such areas, and any potential obstacles.
While some questions are posed by all parties, there are significant differences.
Citizens are being queried about their familiarity with technologies such as mixed reality, blockchain, and 3D creation software, as well as their primary concerns and plans to participate in immersive virtual activities.
In the meantime, businesses are questioned about the obstacles that could impede the progress of French firms in building metaverses, their expectations for demand from professionals and the general public, and what they believe the immersive worlds of the future “will be founded on.”
Both businesses and researchers are questioned about funding priorities; however, in addition to multiple-choice questions, researchers are also asked to describe their vision of immersive virtual experiences.
This comes after a panel of industry experts discussed how regulators might interpret metaverse activity and how businesses can enter the metaverse on March 22 during Paris Blockchain Week.
Julie Jacob, the founder of the law firm Jacob Avocats, stated on the panel that “there is no standard” and that it is a “fantastic opportunity” to establish a set of norms and ethical standards.
