China’s state-backed computer industry association set up a dedicated committee for metaverse development on Wednesday amid the country’s growing expansion into the virtual-reality world, local media reported.
See related article: ‘Metaverse’ enters government radar at China’s Two Sessions
Fast facts
- In an online seminar organized Wednesday by the industry lobby, Tan Jianrong, a professor of Zhejiang University who serves as co-president of the metaverse committee, said the body would help to plan out how the industry should develop and draft standards, state media Shanghai Securities Journal reported.
- More than 150 companies have joined the new committee, according to the report.
- The metaverse has entered the government’s radar, as delegates of China’s Two Sessions, the nation’s most important set of political meetings, said in March that regulation is urgently needed to govern data security and curb speculation as the metaverse industry develops.
- Some local governments are embracing the new technology, with Xiamen revealing a three-year plan to nurture metaverse firms in March.
- However, a Chinese state-backed think tank has warned of potential national security risks that the metaverse could bring.
See related article: China launches metaverse lab