IEEE P7016
What is this standard?
IEEE P7016 is the Standard for Ethically Aligned Design and Operation of Autonomous and Intelligent Systems in the Metaverse. It aims to provide guidelines to ensure that metaverse systems are developed, deployed, and operated in a socially responsible and ethical manner.
Why is it important?
This standard is important because as metaverse technologies evolve and become more integrated into our daily lives, it is crucial to establish ethical guidelines to address issues such as privacy, security, bias, inclusivity, and transparency. By adhering to these standards, developers and operators can help build trust with users and ensure that metaverse systems benefit society.
What is a real-world example/case study of how this might help?
A real-world example of how this standard may help is in the development of virtual reality (VR) platforms for education. By following the guidelines set forth in IEEE P7016, developers can ensure that VR educational platforms are designed to provide inclusive and equitable learning opportunities for all students, address potential biases in content delivery, and prioritize user privacy and data security. Gaming is low-hanging fruit in this area.
What stage is it at?
The standard is currently in the development stage, with ongoing work to define the guidelines and requirements for ethically aligned design and operation of metaverse systems.
What is the current geographical or disciplinary spread of your working members?
The working group for IEEE P7016 consists of members from around the world, representing a diverse range of expertise and perspectives. The geographical spread of the working members reflects the global interest and importance of establishing ethical standards for metaverse technologies.
What type of people might be interested or well suited for this standards group?
People who may be interested or well-suited for this standards group include technologists, ethicists, policymakers, researchers, industry professionals, and advocates for responsible technology development. Those who have a passion for ensuring that emerging technologies are developed and used ethically and responsibly would find the IEEE P7016 group to be of significant interest.
What triggered your own interest in this area?
My interest in the group as its chair is triggered by my background in technology, innovation, and advocacy for ethical technology development. I believe that establishing technical guidelines for ethics will be foundational for implementation governance and trust.
IEEE P7030
What is this standard?
IEEE P7030, Recommended Practice for Assessing Ethical Concerns of Extended Reality (XR), is a standard provide guidelines for identifying and addressing ethical concerns related to Extended Reality technologies, which include Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR).
Why is it important?
The importance of IEEE P7030 lies in the recognition of the ethical implications and potential societal impacts of XR technologies. These technologies have the power to significantly alter human experiences by blurring the lines between physical and digital realities. Ethical considerations such as privacy, autonomy, safety, and bias become crucial in ensuring that these technologies are developed and deployed responsibly.
What is a real-world example/case study of how this might help?
A real-world example of how IEEE P7030 can help is in the development of healthcare applications using XR. Suppose a company is creating a virtual reality system to assist in medical training. By following the guidelines outlined in IEEE P7030, the developers can ensure that the VR system respects patient privacy, provides accurate and unbiased information, and prioritizes user safety. This adherence to ethical principles not only enhances the trustworthiness of the technology but also safeguards the well-being of both patients and healthcare professionals using the system. Ultimately, applying IEEE P7030 in such a scenario can lead to more ethical and impactful use of XR in healthcare and other domains.
What stage is it at?
IEEE P7030 is currently in the development stage as a recommended practice. This means that the standard is being drafted, reviewed, and refined by a working group within the IEEE to establish best practices for addressing ethical concerns in the context of Extended Reality technologies.
What is the current geographical or disciplinary spread of your working members?
The working members contributing to IEEE P7030 come from diverse disciplinary backgrounds, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of Extended Reality technologies and the ethical considerations associated with them. The geographical spread of working members is global, drawing expertise from various regions to ensure a holistic and culturally sensitive approach to ethical assessments of XR technologies.
What type of people might be interested or well suited for this standards group?
Individuals who might be interested or well-suited for participation in the IEEE P7030 standards group include professionals from fields such as computer science, engineering, ethics, law, psychology, sociology, human-computer interaction, and virtual/augmented reality development. Stakeholders from industry, academia, government, and non-profit organizations who are passionate about ethics in technology and the societal impact of XR technologies may also find the working group appealing.
What triggered your own interest in this area?
My interest in chairing the IEEE P7030 group stems from my background and expertise in technology, ethics, and social impact. I was motivated to lead this group to drive the conversation around ethics in Extended Reality technologies, leveraging my experience to ensure that the standard reflects a comprehensive and principled approach to addressing ethical concerns for extended reality technologies.