On the Legal Concept of Metaverses

Abstract

The paper offers a detailed model of the legal concept of metaverses. The scientific impetus for this discourse was the foreign practice of developing metaverses, which have become national priorities for a number of states. According to the author’s position, the metaverse is a direction (area) of digital technology development for the formation of a digital space for various types of social and public activities with imitation of the personal presence of the user. The components of the metaverse interact with each other, are in dynamic balance, creating a digital industry. The industry of the metaverse is at a stage of continuous evolution and development. It consists of five main systems, including a technological system, a system of standards, a system of digital products, a service and warranty system. Based on this conclusion, the author systematizes approaches to the development of legal regulation of relations in the metaverses in order to consolidate the country’s technological leadershipin this promising direction. As the metaverse evolves, it may become a promising space for the circulation of digital data and the implementation of other ambitious projects of the digital economy. However, the emergence of new threats and risks in artificial virtual worlds requires the development and adoption of a concept of legal understanding of metaverses, as well as the advanced study of Russian legislation guaranteeing human rights and freedoms in metaverses.