AR/VR
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As every sector of the global economy and nearly every facet of modern society undergo digital transformation, ITIF advocates for policies that spur not just the development of IT innovations, but more importantly their adoption and use throughout the economy. In the area of AR/VR, ITIF researches how immersive technologies can transform the ways people communicate, work, and learn.
Featured
ITIF Series on User Safety in AR/VR: Protecting Adults, Teens, and Kids
Over the past decade, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) have seen continuous growth and maturation. As AR/VR technologies enter the mainstream, one priority is addressing user safety: ensuring AR/VR products and services do not cause injury, harm, or loss to users.
The Case for Immersive Tech in Apprenticeship Programs
Immersive technologies have already proved to be useful in supplementing classroom education and on-the-job training. Those successes underscore how implementing the technology can bolster the effectiveness of apprenticeship programs in the United States.
More Publications and Events
June 11, 2025|Events
Should Policymakers Regulate Human-AI Relationships?
Join ITIF for a discussion on the potential benefits and risks of AI companions, what the early research says about this emerging technology, and how policymakers can support responsible innovation.
January 24, 2025|Testimonies & Filings
Comments to Standards Australia Regarding Children’s Safety in the Metaverse
Standards Australia should establish age-based guidelines for the metaverse using existing content ratings; require device operating systems to create an opt-in “trustworthy child flag” system; work with global, government-led groups to build voluntary industry standards with a focus on interoperability; and promote digital literacy campaigns for children to operate in the metaverse safely.
September 12, 2024|Events
AR/VR Policy Conference 2024
Watch now for the fourth annual AR/VR Policy Conference presented by Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) and the XR Association.
September 3, 2024|Reports & Briefings
User Safety in AR/VR: Protecting Kids
Children play a crucial role in driving adoption of immersive technologies—and parents, corporations, and regulators all have roles to play in balancing privacy and safety concerns to ensure they can enjoy safe, engaging, and innovative experiences.
September 3, 2024|Knowledge Base Articles
To Do: Research AR/VR Impacts on Children
Congress should provide funding for research into the long-term impacts of augmented and virtual reality on children.
August 29, 2024|Events
Emerging Tech and the Future of Accessibility
Watch now for an expert panel discussion exploring the positive potential of technological innovation to transform society for the better by increasing accessibility for all.
July 26, 2024|Testimonies & Filings
Comments Before NIST Regarding Preliminary Research on Cybersecurity and Privacy Standards for Immersive Technologies
Digital identity should play a key role in shaping the governance structures in immersive technologies and NIST is well placed to lead this charge.
March 8, 2024|Testimonies & Filings
Comments to the European Commission’s Directorate General for Competition on Virtual Worlds and Generative AI
The market for AR/VR technologies, though nascent, presents a multifaceted competitive landscape spanning hardware, software, and distribution. And the generative AI market is experiencing early-stage growth with no significant entry barriers evident, particularly concerning data, computational resources, and talent.
February 5, 2024|Reports & Briefings
User Safety in AR/VR: Protecting Teens
Teens are some of the enthusiastic early adopters of augmented and virtual reality devices and the metaverse. Their relative lack of maturity and naivete makes them more susceptible to safety threats than adults. Yet, current policy proposals are unlikely to make AR/VR safer and would make online experiences worse overall for both teens and adults.
December 5, 2023|Presentations
Building the Foundations for a Successful Metaverse: Opportunities and Challenges
Daniel Castro speaks on a panel about how policymakers can support societal and economic benefits from the metaverse at an event in Washington, D.C. sponsored by The Economist.
