UK Tightens Surveillance Of Meta's Oculus Quest 2 For Teen Safety

JAKARTA - Meta is being closely monitored by the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) over the child safety codes embedded in the company's new Quest 2 VR headset.

The plan is that the ICO will discuss further the recently implemented children's safety code. Meta itself states that the code is in the best interest of its teenage users.

In this regard, ICO watchdogs want to determine whether the Meta VR headset and services are sufficient to protect children's privacy and data. The current issue of the Oculus Quest 2 is quite worrying, especially since the VR Meta headset was one of the best-selling Christmas gifts for kids last December 2021.

According to child safety experts, claims that Meta's advanced virtual reality devices have no parental control. Without the control of their mothers, fathers, and other guardians, they can use Oculus Quest 2 to access harmful content, exposing them to worrying issues on the platform.

"Online services and products that use personal data and may be accessible to children must comply with our children's code standards", said a spokesperson for the Information Commissioner's Office.

Baroness Beeban Kidron, who developed the code, fears the Meta platform makes it too easy for children to enter and risks being abused, harassed, and viewing explicit content.

Launching Engadget and The Guardian, Monday, January 10, Meta does make it a requirement to log in to its VR headset with a Facebook account, and users must be at least 13 years old, but that doesn't mean implementing the required age check code. Kids can use VR headsets by simply ticking a box to say they're old enough.

A Meta spokesperson said they are committed to respecting the child safety code, and believe its VR hardware meets the code's requirements.

They also emphasized that the terms of service do not allow children under 13 to use the product, but did not respond to concerns that it was too easy for children to ignore the policy.

Meanwhile, Meta has pledged a $50 million program to ensure its metaverse development complies with laws and regulations.

However, if Meta is found to have violated the code, the UK can provide various penalties. ICOs can also fine Meta either a fixed amount of up to 23.8 million US dollars or as much as 4 percent of the worldwide turnover, which is more than 10 billion US dollars.

The fines put pressure on Meta to strengthen child safety in VR, even if it's just to protect the company's finances.