The emergence of the metaverse has sparked global interest, leading nations and international organizations to develop governance frameworks for immersive environments. This article explores the current state of national metaverse initiatives, providing insights into the strategies and policies being developed by different countries to navigate this evolving landscape.
In Europe, the drive towards a metaverse strategy is gaining momentum. The European Commission’s initiative, Virtual Worlds, is in development as part of their broader strategy to prepare Europe for the digital age. Additionally, the European Parliament is working on a report to assess the opportunities, risks, and policy implications of the metaverse. Although dedicated metaverse laws are yet to be established, regulators have shown interest, and existing pan-EU and national laws related to digital services, privacy, consumer protection, and intellectual property cover aspects of the metaverse.
In Brazil and Canada, efforts towards a comprehensive metaverse strategy are still in the early stages. The development of the Brazilian Artificial Intelligence Act suggests a growing recognition of the importance of metaverse-related governance in Brazil. Similarly, Canada is taking a similar approach to the US and EU, with strategies likely to unfold in the near future.
The United States is also yet to establish a formal metaverse strategy. However, promising signs come in the form of draft acts, such as the ACCESS Act and Innovation and Competition Act, which are currently undergoing early stages of review. These legislative efforts indicate the nation’s commitment to addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by the metaverse. Similarly, Brazil and Canada are also likely to be in the process of developing their own metaverse strategies.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia are leading metaverse initiatives in the Middle East. Dubai’s Metaverse Strategy, along with federal laws on cryptocurrency and significant investment funds, demonstrate the UAE’s commitment to developing immersive technologies. In Saudi Arabia, the National Gaming and Esports Strategy and NEOM, a futuristic megacity, aim to drive metaverse gaming and technology development, furthering the nation’s interest in the metaverse.
In Asia, China and Japan are spearheading metaverse strategies. China’s 5-Year Metaverse Plan, combined with local government efforts in key cities, highlights the nation’s ambition to lead the metaverse revolution. Japan’s government has also shown interest, with a dedicated Web3 committee actively developing policies. Ryugukoku, a public-private metaverse collaboration, serves as a major initiative to position Japan at the forefront of this digital realm.
South Korea’s Metaverse strategy, unveiled in 2022, provides a comprehensive framework for metaverse development. The government’s Methaverse Ethical Principles and the Methaverse Industry Promotion Law demonstrate the nation’s commitment to creating a sustainable and ethical metaverse ecosystem. In Singapore, while no official strategy is in place, multiple supportive statements from government officials signify a positive approach to the metaverse’s potential.
The metaverse is rapidly evolving, presenting exciting opportunities and challenges on a global scale. Countries across continents are recognizing the importance of establishing governance frameworks to navigate this digital frontier. While some nations have already made significant progress with dedicated metaverse strategies, others are still in the early stages of formulating their approaches. As the metaverse continues to unfold, international collaboration and the exchange of best practices will play a crucial role in shaping a sustainable and inclusive digital future. It is clear that the establishment of metaverse governance frameworks is a top priority for nations worldwide, as they seek to harness the potential of this new digital landscape.
