In a visionary move that prioritizes humanity in virtual world development, Radia Funna, founder and CEO of Build n Blaze, has successfully proposed and established the ITU Focus Group on Metaverse's first Task Group dedicated to Implications for People in the Metaverse. This groundbreaking initiative, launched within the International Telecommunication Union's Focus Group on Metaverse (ITU FG-MV), represents a paradigm shift toward human-centered metaverse standardization—ensuring that as virtual worlds reshape global communication and commerce, human dignity, rights, and well-being remain at the center of technological development.

Pioneering Human-Centered Metaverse Standards

This first-of-its-kind Task Group addresses the critical gap in metaverse standardization—moving beyond technical specifications to examine the profound human implications of widespread virtual world adoption. The initiative tackles essential considerations including privacy protection, digital rights, accessibility, psychological well-being, and the broader social impacts of immersive technology integration across education, healthcare, commerce, and social interaction.

"As we architect these transformative immersive technologies, it's essential that we prioritize the well-being and fundamental rights of users from the very foundation," Funna explained during the Task Group's establishment. "This initiative ensures that human considerations are not an afterthought, but the driving force behind metaverse standardization efforts worldwide."

Building Interdisciplinary Expertise for Ethical Innovation

The Task Group on Implications for People in the Metaverse brings together leading experts from diverse fields—including psychology, sociology, law, human-computer interaction, digital rights advocacy, and accessibility design—to provide comprehensive insights into the multidimensional impacts of metaverse technologies on individuals, communities, and society as a whole.

This interdisciplinary approach reflects Build n Blaze's commitment to holistic technology assessment, ensuring that virtual world standards account for cognitive impacts, social dynamics, cultural considerations, and equity implications that purely technical standards often overlook. The Task Group's work will inform ethical guidelines, safety protocols, and inclusive design principles that protect vulnerable populations while maximizing metaverse benefits for all users.

Establishing Global Precedent for Responsible Virtual World Governance

By establishing this Task Group, Funna demonstrates Build n Blaze's leadership in responsible innovation—proactively addressing the human implications of emerging technologies before they become entrenched in global infrastructure. This approach contrasts sharply with reactive approaches that attempt to address human impacts after technologies have already been deployed at scale.

The Task Group's work will produce actionable frameworks for ethical metaverse development, including guidelines for protecting user agency, ensuring digital equity, preventing psychological harm, and maintaining human autonomy in increasingly immersive digital environments. These frameworks will serve as international reference points for governments, developers, and organizations worldwide.

Build n Blaze is the global authority in standards-driven digital transformation. Led by UN Special Advisor and global standards authority Radia Funna, we empower organizations to harness AI, metaverse, quantum, and emerging tech for sustainable, human-centered impact—ensuring innovation serves everyone, everywhere. Learn more at www.buildnblaze.com.