Washington D.C. – The XR Association (XRA) and the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) will host the fourth annual AR/VR Policy Conference in Washington, D.C. on September 12. This event aims to bring together policymakers, civil society, industry leaders, and technology enthusiasts to explore the latest developments and discuss the future of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies. Additionally, this multifaceted event will feature exclusive technology demonstrations from leading companies in the industry.
One of the panel discussions will focus on the safety of young users in immersive technologies. Titled “Creating a Safe Metaverse for Young Explorers,” this policy packed panel will delve into how industry, civil society, and policymakers work together to develop safety controls and parental tools that are effective and easily accessible. The discussion will highlight the various ways research plays in informing the development of metaverse experiences for young users.
Speakers for this panel include:
- Nikki Burns, Senior GPA Manager of Government & Public Affairs at LEGO Group
- Carlos Gutierrez, Deputy Director and General Counsel at LGBT Tech Partnership & Institute
- Dileep Srihari, Senior Director of US Public Policy at Sony Interactive Entertainment
The focus of this panel stems from the findings and initiatives of the Future of XR Advisory Council’s (XRAC) recent white paper, Charting the Future of Immersive Technology: Transforming Work, Education, Health, and Entertainment. To continue the effort put forward by XRAC, the XR Association introduced a webinar series titled, Charting the Future of Immersive Technology, and hosted a webinar discussion on Safety and Well-Being for Youth where panelists shared insights into the tools and practices being employed by the industry to enhance learning and gaming experiences for young people.
Moderated by Stephanie Montgomery, Senior Vice President of Research and Best Practices at XRA, the panel featured Tommy Truong, Chief Product Officer at EmergeNET, Michael Preston, Executive Director at Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop, and Dr. Todd P. Chang, Vice Chair for Education, Department of Pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA).
