Regulating Social VR: Limitations and Tensions in Global Policy and Governance

This chapter investigates the evolving landscape of regulatory measures for social VR platforms, emphasising the need for government intervention to ensure that these environments are safe, trustworthy and equitable. It discusses a variety of regulatory approaches, from soft law proposals to best practice principles and industry codes of conduct, highlighting the collaborative efforts of civil society groups, government and industry stakeholders. The chapter examines global regulatory discussions, including online safety laws, data regulation and the protection of children in VR, and critiques existing self-governance initiatives. By advocating for proactive regulatory and governance interventions, this chapter highlights the necessity of placing obligations on platforms to prevent harms and protect the public interest as VR technologies continue to evolve.