Metaverse -a complex jurisprudential approach to the virtual world

Abstract

The metaverse is a space where the physical and digital worlds meet. With the development of technology, it has become possible for one’s digital representation, one’s avatar, to interact with others and thus to use the services and experiences provided by the metaverse. The possibilities are practically endless, we just need to ensure the technical conditions, assess the legal aspects of the whole thing and find answers to the legal problems that arise as soon as possible. Among these legal issues, this paper will focus on the challenges arising from the metaverse and affecting the international legal order based on the sovereign equality of states, as well as the regulation of the functioning of virtual worlds from a public law and in particular fundamental rights perspective, and the most important private law aspects. At the time of writing the manuscript, the early enthusiasm surrounding the metaverse is fulfilling its promises at a slower pace compared to the high expectations, in terms of the rate of growth in consumer use. There is no doubt, however, that all the issues raised in the study are of particular concern to legislators and law practitioners already today.

Citation: Judit Glavanits, Gergely Karácsony, Gábor Kecskés, Barna Arnold Keserű: Metaverse -a complex jurisprudential approach to the virtual world, in Rechtskultur: Zeitschrift Für Europäische Rechtsgeschichte, State Roles in Modern Society and Communication Space: (Sonderheft), 2024, 185-199.

Keywords: metaverse, law, international law, private law, consumer protection