XR Association wants to keep harassment and hate out of VR and AR
A group of big tech companies who make virtual and augmented reality gear and software have assembled a trade group to promote safety in virtual spaces.
The group, called called the XR Association, counts Facebook’s Oculus, HTC, Microsoft, and others as members. (“XR” is an umbrella term that encapsulates virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality.)
XRA has already released an initial set of guidelines to help developers create XR devices that well-designed and easy to use, and it’s now added a new set of best practices for creating safe and inclusive virtual social spaces. The formation of XRA and the release of the guidelines represent the first time the industry has coalesced in an actual trade group to spread best practices and educate the public.
The new XRA guidelines give a cautionary example of a user stamping a silly emoji over a memorial in the real world. But other scenarios are more disturbing. Bullies could virtually graffiti a victim’s home. Racists could paint hate slogans over civil rights monuments.
The XRA’s guidelines provide ways of steering users away from that kind of bad behavior.
See the full story here: https://www.fastcompany.com/90441925/this-new-group-wants-to-keep-harassment-and-hate-out-of-vr-and-ar