The state-owned telecom operator China Mobile has reportedly proposed the creation of a “Digital Identity System” to keep track of all local metaverse users. 

The idea has been discussed between tech experts and Chinese officials and could set global rules focused on that technology.

A Safety Measure or Additional Government Control?

According to a recent Politico coverage, the proposed “Digital Identity System” will require metaverse participants to share personal data points such as occupation and “identifiable signs.” The information could be stored permanently and shared with law enforcement agents “to keep the order and safety of the virtual world.”

While seen as a protection measure by the Chinese telecom operator, this idea could violate principles of freedom and privacy. One person who supports that thesis is Chris Kemidas-Courtney – an executive at Brussels-based think tank Friends of Europe:

“To build a unified digital identity system, to give each human a unique digital ID that includes social characteristics from social media and occupation— that sounds a lot like China’s social credit system.”

An expert working at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) also disagreed with China’s plans to monitor such identities in the metaverse space:

“Imagine a metaverse where your identity protocols are set and monitored by Chinese authorities. Every government must ask themselves – Is that the kind of immersive world we want to live in?”

China Insists on Centralization

The government of China (ruled by the Communist party) has made s