Metaverse: The Next Internet

The Metaverse represents the next evolution of the internet, a digital realm where the physical and virtual worlds converge. In my book, 📕 Exploring the Metaverse, I delve into the current state of the Metaverse and how advancements in AI, IoT, networking, and cloud technologies are accelerating its development at an unprecedented pace.

As a call to action, I emphasize the importance of collaboration among industry leaders, academia, and individuals to establish standards and practices for the responsible use of the Metaverse. It is imperative that we all contribute to shaping this emerging space to ensure it benefits society as a whole.

As an industry expert from Thoughtworks, I am an active contributor at Metaverse India Standards and Practices (MIPS), an initiative by XTIC, IIT Madras. Under the guidance of Prof. M. Manivannan, our team at MIPS collaborated with the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), Department of Telecommunications (DOT) to provide recommendations for the ITU-T Study Group 20. Let’s explore this in greater detail.

ITU-T Study Group 20 Meeting

The International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) is a global body responsible for coordinating standards in telecommunications and Information Communication Technology (ICT). It brings together Member States, private sector entities, and academic institutions to develop standards like X.509,Y.3172, H.236 and more.

Study Group 20 (SG20) focuses on the Internet of Things (IoT), digital twins, and smart sustainable cities and communities. Representing the Republic of India, the Department of Telecommunications (DOT) plays a pivotal role in these discussions. It was an honor to participate in the recent SG20 meeting on behalf of the DOT and the Ministry of Telecommunications.

The event was a resounding success, with over 150 contributions submitted globally. Esteemed panelists reviewed these submissions in detail, approving 12 recommendations and accepting 31 new work items. For a comprehensive executive summary of the meeting, visit this link.

Contributions from India

India made significant contributions to the discussions, with inputs from MIPS, TEC, and other leading institutions and individuals. These contributions focused on standardizing IoT, the Metaverse, and smart cities and communities.

During the meeting, I presented two key recommendations:

1. Requirements for IoT based food safety compliance
2. Framework and requirements for identity visualization in and across the Metaverse

I am thrilled to share that second recommendation on metaverse identity visualization is accepted as a new work item for the study period of 2025-2028. This recommendation aims to build trust in the Metaverse by ensuring users have the “right to know the reality” of what they encounter. Over the coming years, I hope to see this work item evolve into actionable recommendations and standards, helping to prevent the misuse of AI-generated fake identities and fostering trust and safety in digital interactions.

3. Requirements of Metaverse Experience System for Tourist Places
4. Framework and requirements for identity visualization in and across Metaverse
one new work item “Best practices in Digital Public Infrastructure for Cities” also approved as Technical Report. #SmartCities (4/4)

— TEC DoT India (@TEC_DoT_India) January 30, 2025

Exploring the Metaverse

My contributions to the ITU-T Study Group 20 are deeply rooted in the concepts I explore in Chapter 12 and 15 of my book, 📕 Exploring the Metaverse. If you’re interested in learning more about the Metaverse and its potential, I encourage you to grab a copy of the book.

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☞ Read: Exploring the Metaverse - Synopsis

Acknowledgments

None of this would have been possible without the strong leadership of Mr. R. S. Singh, Dy. Director General (IoT), TEC, DOT, Ministry of Communications, India, and his dedicated team, who provided continuous guidance throughout the process. I am also deeply grateful to Prof. M. Manivannan and MIPS members, and Thoughtworks for unwavering encouragement and support, which inspires me to contribute more to the community and to India’s technological advancement.

Final Thoughts

The Metaverse is no longer a distant dream—it is rapidly becoming a reality. As we navigate this exciting new frontier, let’s commit to learning, sharing, and collaborating to ensure it evolves responsibly and inclusively.

Keep in touch, keep learning, and keep sharing!

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