September 17, 2025 Announcement of the “Study Group on Realizing Safe and Secure Metaverse” 2025 Report and Results of Public Consultation

　Regarding the “2025 Report (Draft)” of the “Study Group on Realizing Safe and Secure Metaverse” (chaired by KOZUKA Souichirou, Professor, Faculty of Law, Gakushuin University), the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) conducted a public consultation from Monday, August 4, 2025, to Wednesday, August 27, 2025.

　Based on the results, the “2025 Report” was compiled and announced along with the results of the public consultation.

Note: The published materials are available in Japanese only.

1. Background

　Anticipating a significant increase in the market size and number of users of the metaverse in the future, the MIC has been examining principles based on democratic values to realize an even safer and more secure metaverse for users. Also, because the services related to the metaverse will be provided across national borders, the MIC intends to contribute to international discussions on the metaverse. For these purposes, the MIC has held meetings of the “Study Group on Realizing Safe and Secure Metaverse” since October 2023.

　Since the publication of the "2024 Report" in October 2024, advancements in AR and MR devices, the diversification of metaverse utilization, and the expansion of the adoption market have been observed. In view of this, the study group expanded the main focus of its discussion from the VR metaverse, whose main purpose is interpersonal communication and entertainment, to a new metaverse for various purposes, including communication and entertainment between individuals as well as industrial use, regardless of the content of technologies that enable the realization and use of the metaverse.

　Based on the discussions that were held in this study group, the "2025 Report (Draft)" was compiled. The MIC conducted a public consultation regarding it from Monday, August 4, 2025, to Wednesday, August 27, 2025, and 37 opinions were submitted.

　Based on these opinions and the results of the discussions at the 17th meeting of the study group (held via e-mail from Tuesday, September 9, 2025 to Thursday, September 11, 2025), the "2025 Report” was compiled and published.

2. How to obtain materials

　The materials will be available in the "Public Comments" section on the e-Gov website (https://www.e-gov.go.jp).