Facebook, the world's largest social network, has invested
heavily in virtual reality and augmented reality, developing hardware such as
its Oculus VR headsets and working on AR glasses and wristband technologies.
The company has been criticised over its impact on online safety.
The new XR Programs and Research Fund will invest the money
globally over two years to ensure metaverse technologies are "built in a
way that's inclusive and empowering," Facebook said.
The company said it plans to work with researchers across
four areas including data privacy and safety, to allow users to get help if
something they see in the metaverse makes them uncomfortable.
It will also research how to design technologies that are
inclusive and accessible to all users, and also "encourage
competition" in the nascent industry, Facebook added in a blog post.
Facebook has faced scrutiny on a wide range of Internet
issues, such as the spread of disinformation and social media's negative impact
on teens.
Also on Monday, Facebook said it paused development on
Instagram Kids, an app that would have provided age-appropriate content for
kids under 13. US lawmakers and advocacy groups have cited safety concerns and
urged Facebook to drop the launch plans.
A Facebook executive will testify on Thursday at a US Senate
committee hearing on the impact of its Instagram app on young users' mental
health.
Initial partners for Facebook's new metaverse fund include
Howard University in Washington DC, which will research the history of
diversity in the information technology industry and how it could shape
opportunity in the metaverse.
Seoul National University and the University of Hong Kong
will research safety, ethics and responsible design, Facebook said. © Reuters
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