Rules for virtual worlds: reconciling contexts and perspectives

Views on the rules governing virtual worlds, such as privacy, responsible use of artificial intelligence, consumer protection and cybersecurity vary considerably between states and other stakeholders. This chapter construes the EU's regulatory framework as a comprehensive catalogue for legal issues and proposals that will influence virtual worlds. We enhance the list of currently open issues and possible developments in the normative landscape metaverses with a glance towards the international principles governing AI and a brief inquiry into AI-related litigation. We then review the organisational landscape of normative initiatives and conclude with leads for further research and action.