China Trying to Extend the Social Credit System to the Metaverse

It appears that China is thinking of introducing a system in the metaverse and other online virtual worlds that is comparable to its famed social credit system. This action highlights the growing influence of digital domains. The massive initiative is generating a lot of talk in the tech sector.

China Mobile’s Proposal for a Digital ID

On August 20, reports from POLITICO provided insight into China’s objectives in the digital sphere. A proposal for a digital identification (ID) system that would include all users in the metaverse and online virtual worlds has been made by China Mobile, a state-owned telecom corporation. In order to be unique, this ID system relies on both “natural characteristics” and “social characteristics.”

A Digital ID for Order and Safety

The main goal of the suggested system is to maintain law and order in the virtual environment. To do this, the digital ID would include a wide range of identifying characteristics and personal data, such as a person’s job. Even permanent preservation and exchange of this data with appropriate authorities are suggested in the plan.

A Solution for Tackling Disruptive Users

The potential advantages of this digital ID system are demonstrated by one strong example given in the proposal. The digital ID would make it possible for law enforcement to quickly identify and take necessary action against a troublesome user who “spreads rumors and makes chaos in the metaverse” in this hypothetical case.

Parallels with China’s Social Credit System

Notably, this plan is quite similar to China’s well-known system of social credit. An ongoing infrastructure project called the social credit system was created to assess and rank persons according to different behavioral variables. It not only evaluates people but also acts as a control mechanism, determining who has access to what rights and services depending on their score.

This idea for a digital ID system raises significant concerns about privacy, monitoring, and striking a balance between upholding order and defending individual rights as China continues to explore the metaverse and online virtual worlds. It is yet unclear how this plan will develop and what effects it may have on China’s and other countries’ digital environments.