ISME April 2018

SME-Law
the personal information that
users provide. This data can
be easily used. For example,
one can share details related
to age, race, etc. that form a
person’s digital footprint. This
can be used in real life for any
purpose.
The fact that privacy is a
vulnerable thing in the virtual
world is no more a secret.
Researchers have pointed
out that governments and
organisations can get a lot of
unprecedented power over
people by tracking human
emotions, behaviour and
expressions. There has also
been a growth of jurisdictions
that emphasise that ensure
that in a company proper
accountability is maintained.
The US senator for example
asked for data accountability
that is obtained through
the use of the VR headset
Oculus. But the problem with
these claims to VR privacy
violations seem to be quite
far-fetched. This is because,
users usually agree to the
terms and conditions before
using these devices. This
naturally give companies the
right to share whatever data
they have at hand.
The Way Out
Legislation in the VR world is
something that is necessary.
But it is not easy to legislate
the VR world given that it is
a huge domain that exists
globally and is subject to
different laws per region.
Moreover, a rigid legislation
law might also come in the
way of proper technological
evolution. Self-regulation
by VR companies seems to
be the only solution at the
moment. There are also some
measures that companies
can take regarding VR
regulation.
1. Define Liabilities:
IP holders must very clearly
define liability in their contract.
They must specifically state
the ownership and liability
that might arise in case of
a breach or an unfair use of
property rights.
2. Self-Regulation:
As stated above, selfregulation
is something that
companies can resort to.
VR solution providers can
also take part in creating
industry friendly policies and
take steps in formulating
strategies that are both
legally and ethically sound
to deal with any kind of
infringement.
3. Misuse of ‘Fair Use
Standard’ :
People in VR business must
try to raise the misuse of
the ‘fair use standard’ issue.
The ‘Fair use standard’ has
always been misused and
the future does not seem to
be any different.
Creating awareness about
the loopholes in the VR world
would lead to a solution.
Entrepreneurs who want
to join the VR bandwagon
must work towards this end
to create a VR world where
privacy n infringement of
Intellectual Property are not
mere terms but enforceable
laws. The business world would
not exist without technology.
Technology would evolve in
the future. It is wise for industry
people to start looking at
making this partnership a lawful
one while it is still possible.
Join hands and work towards
creating a future where the VR
world thrives with the security of
legal protection.
SPI thinktank
initiative
It is
great if one is
aware of the
laws that can
help one out
of the mess.
But in many
cases, people
are not aware
of the laws
that might
help them out
of a tricky
situation.
Intelligent SME | April 2018
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