Discussing building a safe and accessible spatial internet at London Tech Week
The internet has undoubtedly revolutionized how we live, work, and connect. But it’s also had its fair share of issues. Cyberbullying, online harassment, and the spread of misinformation are just a few of the problems we face. As we start building the future internet – a spatial internet – we have a unique opportunity to get it right.
During London Tech Week, I had the privilege of moderating a panel that delved into this exact topic. In case you missed it, here are my insights on how we get the next internet right, and ensure it cultivates positive interactions, embraces inclusivity, and promotes empathy.
Diversity and inclusion in development
Developers and designers of the spatial web must prioritise diversity and inclusion in all aspects of development. When you're trying to translate and enhance the world with new frameworks, you need many perspectives to shape something worthwhile. This means ensuring that a wide range of perspectives are represented in design and decision-making processes. There needs to be an active effort to recruit and magnify marginalised voices to create in these spaces at the highest professional levels.
Accessibility
The next internet should be designed with accessibility in mind, including features that allow people with disabilities to fully participate and enjoy the experience. This entails incorporating features such as accessible interfaces, alternative input methods, and support for assistive technologies. It is crucial to consider inclusivity from the outset, it can’t be an afterthought.
It’s just as important to address the accessibility of technology and platforms, reducing barriers to entry to leverage these tools effectively. The current complexity, lack of standardisation, and limited access to technology pose significant challenges. To foster innovation and equitable participation, it is essential to provide as many people as possible with the necessary resources and support.
Traditionally, innovation has stemmed from wealthier entities and focused on profit generation rather than societal betterment. But there is an opportunity to shift this paradigm and empower communities to drive innovation this time. By equipping communities with the tools and mechanisms needed to thrive, we can tap into their unique perspectives and expertise, allowing them to actively shape and improve the experience.
User education and community guidelines
Users should be educated on respectful and inclusive behaviour. The development of community guidelines that encourage positive interactions and prohibit harassment and hate speech is also critical.
User agency and control
Users should have control over their own experiences, including the ability to create and customize their own avatars, environments, and interactions. This allows for greater expression and autonomy and helps to avoid perpetuating existing power imbalances.
Privacy and security
The spatial internet should be designed with strong privacy and security features to protect users from harm. This includes robust data protection measures and the ability to control how personal information is shared and used.
In addition to privacy and security measures, building safe virtual worlds requires a comprehensive approach to user safety. It involves establishing clear guidelines, moderation mechanisms, and community-driven policies that foster a respectful and inclusive environment. Proactive content moderation and effective reporting systems should be in place to address harmful or inappropriate behaviour, ensuring a positive and safe experience for all users.
Collaborative efforts between platform providers, developers, and users can help create virtual worlds that prioritise user well-being, promote healthy interactions, and swiftly address any instances of harassment, discrimination, or harmful content. By continuously improving safety measures and fostering responsible digital citizenship, we can empower users to explore, connect, and express themselves with confidence and peace of mind.
