As Artificial Intelligence (AI) and extended reality (XR) technologies become more integrated into our lives, ensuring they align with societal values, fundamental rights, and international norms is crucial. This is precisely the goal of a D3.1 – SSH Framework (V1) report from the MOTIVATE XR project, laying the foundation for a framework to address the social, ethical, and legal (SEL) challenges associated with these technologies.
Why Does This Matter?
AI and XR offer incredible opportunities, from transforming industries to reshaping how we interact with the world. But they also bring risks, like privacy concerns, cyber threats, and gaps in existing legal frameworks. The MOTIVATE XR team is tackling these issues head-on to ensure these technologies are developed and used responsibly.
Key Contributions of the Report
- Comprehensive SEL Issue List: By analysing academic research and leveraging AI-driven tools, the team identified key risks associated with AI and XR in industry settings.
- Stakeholder Mapping: From developers to end users, the report pinpoints everyone who could be affected by these technologies, ensuring no perspective is overlooked.
- Project-Specific Challenges: Through workshops and surveys, the consortium prioritised the ethical and legal risks unique to MOTIVATE XR, ensuring a tailored approach to mitigation.
What Are the Key Risks?
The report highlights several pressing concerns:
- The potential for harm in remote instruction settings.
- Insufficient legal frameworks for emerging technologies.
- Increased risks of cyberattacks and data breaches.
- Privacy challenges in immersive environments.
A Call to Action
The findings are not just theoretical—they provide actionable guidance for both technical developers and use-case partners in the project. By reflecting on these risks, the MOTIVATE XR team aims to safeguard human values and prioritise mitigation measures.
What’s Next?
This report is just the beginning. Future deliverables will build on these insights, offering detailed recommendations to navigate the complex landscape of SEL challenges in AI and XR.
The MOTIVATE XR project is paving the way for responsible innovation, ensuring that the future of technology is not only exciting but also ethical, inclusive, and safe.
Stay tuned! Full report on MOTIVATE XR’s SSH Framework insights, available soon for download.
Author
TU Delft
Johannes Gartner is an Assistant Professor at TU Delft, specialising in Digital Technology Management. He holds master’s degrees in Computer Science, IT Security Management, and Business Administration, as well as a PhD and Habilitation in Business and Economics.
