Ethical and Legal Implications to Data Collection in Virtual and Augmented Reality
Ayaz Karimov, Aytaj Ismayilzada, Mirka Saarela · 2025
As immersive technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) become increasingly integrated into various sectors, the ethical and regulatory challenges surrounding data collection in these environments are rapidly evolving. The complexity of VR/AR systems, which gather vast amounts of sensitive data, from biometric information to real-time user behavior, presents unique concerns regarding privacy, consent, and accountability. This paper explores the ethical implications of data collection in VR/AR environments by emphasizing the need for responsible and transparent practices. The paper discusses the adequacy of existing legal instruments in promoting user trust while ensuring compliance with ethical principles, highlighting areas where regulatory measures fall short. Additionally, the paper considers the role of explainable and responsible computational intelligence in enhancing accountability and mitigating risks in VR/AR applications.