As the world gears up for 6G, the ethical and legal implications of emerging technologies, particularly regarding platform dependence and privacy, become increasingly critical. This vital topic was explored in depth during ENSURE-6G Event #4: Workshop on Research Methods and Open Science Skills Development – Day #2, featuring a compelling session by Dr. Başak Özparlak from Özyeğin University, Istanbul, Türkiye.
Dr. Özparlak’s presentation offered a unique perspective, drawing from a research project that initially focused on using Virtual Reality (VR) for mock trial simulations in legal education. This seemingly niche application uncovered profound challenges related to technological dependence on dominant platforms and their direct impact on user privacy and data sovereignty.
The VR Mock Trial Project: A Case Study in Platform Dependency
The project, funded by the National Research Council of Turkey, aimed to leverage VR to provide legal students with courtroom experience, especially in times of crisis when physical attendance wasn’t possible [02:15]. Initially, the team utilized the Mozilla platform for their VR courtroom environment. However, a significant challenge emerged: platform dependency [04:48].
The risk of a platform shutting down, as well as the inherent complexities of switching platforms (which involved costs and required re-evaluating consent forms for participants), highlighted a critical vulnerability in relying on large tech platforms. The team had to switch to another platform (Meta), which collected “much more complex data” and shared it across diverse services, directly impacting privacy outcomes and raising questions about scientific independence [31:15].
The Interconnected Challenges of Big Tech Invasion in 6G
Dr. Özparlak emphasized that issues like platform dependency, data sovereignty, and fair competition are not isolated technical problems; they have profound non-technical implications, especially as technologies like VR, Augmented Reality (AR), and Extended Reality (XR) become crucial elements of the 6G ecosystem [05:51].
Key challenges identified include [11:03]:
- Technological Dependency and Data Sovereignty Concerns: Loss of control over data by users and researchers.
- Loss of User Trust: Eroding confidence in applications due to perceived data misuse or lack of control.
- Fair Competition: Dominant platforms can stifle innovation and limit the entry of newcomers.
- Locking Effects and Restricted Data Access: Limiting interoperability and creating barriers for other services.
- Digital Divide: The high cost of advanced VR tools can exacerbate inequalities in access to technology [11:50].
- Scientific Independence: Researchers become dependent on the tools and policies of dominant platforms.
Regulatory Tools to Safeguard Privacy and Competition in the Digital Age
To counter the “big tech invasion” and foster a more trustworthy 6G environment, Dr. Özparlak highlighted the importance of legal and regulatory tools. The EU Digital Markets Act (DMA) emerged as a significant framework designed to prevent market dominance by “gatekeepers” – large undertakings that control important gateways between business users and end users [14:41].
The DMA aims to address [20:37]:
- Imbalances in Bargaining Power: Protecting small and medium-sized enterprises and end-users.
- Unfair Practices: Combating unilateral conditions imposed by gatekeepers.
- Stifled Innovation: Promoting new technologies and innovations by curbing anti-competitive behavior.
- Privacy Rights: Strengthening end-user control over their data and consent.
The DMA specifically places obligations on gatekeepers regarding personal data, prohibiting them from combining personal data across different core platform services or using such data for online advertising without explicit user choice [25:07]. A notable example cited was the European Commission’s fine on Meta for its “pay or consent” model, which did not offer users a genuine choice to opt-out of personal data processing for advertising [27:40].
Towards a More Sovereign and Ethical 6G Ecosystem
Dr. Özparlak’s insights underscore that the development of 6G and its associated technologies (VR, AR, XR) must be guided by policies that promote sovereign tech and platforms [13:12]. This involves:
- Implementing effective and inclusive tech policies.
- Balancing novelty with legal and ethical limitations.
- Prioritizing user control over data.
- Ensuring fair competition to drive innovation and choice.
The discussions at ENSURE-6G Event #4 reinforced that as we build the next generation of digital infrastructure, addressing platform dependence and safeguarding privacy are not just legal or economic concerns, but foundational pillars for creating a truly ethical and trustworthy 6G future.
Watch the full session here:
