Someday the metaverse will come … and it may be sooner than later for Disney. The corporation is reportedly exploring the potential of “headsetless augmented reality” through a “virtual-world simulator” in their Disney theme parks.
The U.S. government approved a Disney Enterprises patent for a “virtual-world simulator” in the last week of December, according to Companies Insider. Disney’s technology would be able to project virtual effects such as 3D images onto physical spaces, per Companies Insider’s analysis of the U.S. Patent Office filing. Disney CEO Bob Chapek is reportedly seeking storytelling on a “three-dimensional canvas.” The patented metaverse technology also includes a “tracking system to track a moving perspective of … a user in the real-world venue,” according to the patent. This would reportedly allow Disney to tailor each user’s experience, showing, for instance, one Disney parks visitor or group Mickey Mouse and another visitor Snow White. Privacy concerns are however raised by this technology.
Multiple outlets have raised concerns about the possible invasive nature VR and AR headsets. Particularly true when tech companies, like Meta, have a history of both censorship or biased narrative influence. It is somewhat unclear exactly how Disney’s “headsetless” AR and virtual technology would work, but its tracking system meant to create a personalized experience could end up collecting a dangerous amount of private data.
Disney believes the simulator will be cheaper and easier than a VR/AR headset. It also requires less maintenance in an era of post-COVID-19 procedures. However, the simulator may have its drawbacks and benefits. Disney has censored the word “God” and anti-communist Chinese content before, and targeted individuals such as actress Gina Carano for conservative comments. What does the AR tech project’s users think Disney might do with all the information they have collected? What will Disney do with the data stored and how can they be held responsible? Even if — as Companies Insider indicated is possible – Disney does not implement the technology anytime soon, these questions need to be addressed.
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