Over the past year, we've seen big companies like Meta and Google pointing in the direction of the Metaverse and Web3, part of the technological innovations that are transforming the way we interact in society.
However, the importance that these technologies gained this year will be much greater in 2023, predicts ESET, a cybersecurity software firm.
ESET analysts believe that the immersive experiences offered by the Metaverse and the decentralization of power, the new paradigm proposed by Web3 to empower users, will be Keys to progress and evolution, although they also highlighted the potential security risks that these innovations entail.
The Metaverse and Web3, trends for 2023
The metaverse will continue to make its mark the innovation scenario in 2023ESET points out that the virtual world has opened the doors to new opportunities for social connection and interaction, which have attracted the attention of both users and companies alike.
According to ESET, the biggest indication that the Metaverse will be a much more present reality in 2023 is the large investments that companies have made in this innovation.
From video game developers to social media and other tech companies are seeing huge opportunities in the Metaverse. For example, Meta has allocated more than $36.000 billion to the Metaverse since 2019Other companies such as Google and Microsoft have made investments and strategic partnerships to continue to boost the sector.
Current projections for the growth of the Metaverse over the next two years are also promising. In December last year, Bloomberg indicated that the Metaverse industry could reach a market capitalization of $800.000 billion by 2024.
The virtual world beyond the technology industry
Experts say the potential of the virtual world is going beyond the boundaries of the technology industry and has been taking over other sectors, such as education, medicine and the labor system, among others.
Next year, it could be more common to see universities, clinics and hospitals teaching classes or offering their services in the virtual world, as is the case with Tokyo Imperial University (Japan) and the St. John of God Hospital in Zaragoza (Spain), which are already developing interactive virtual spaces. As for the labor industry, remote work has been gaining popularity since the Covid pandemic and is another of the sectors that large companies have been exploring with great interest in the virtual world. In October, Meta and Microsoft formed an alliance to design the virtual office of the future in the Metaverse.
Likewise, cities such as Dubai (United Arab Emirates), Cuenca (Spain), Shanghai and Beijing (China), have presented their own plans to boost their economies, tourist areas, technological development and more in the Metaverse.
Web3, the power of decentralization
In the case of Web3, The third generation of the Internet is marked by decentralization, a movement in which blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies play an important role.
In this regard, ESET indicated that Web3 has been creating spaces where people and communities already maintain control over their own data and content, taking control away from large corporations. For example, there are now decentralized financial protocols, which allow people to maintain control over their personal finances. There are also decentralized web browsers and various social media platforms being developed without central control, which offer people a safer and more private way to be connected to the Internet.
Cryptoassets as part of the technological future
Another technological trend that will continue in 2023 is cryptocurrencies and digital assets. The cybersecurity firm indicated that a few years ago there were only a few cryptocurrencies, while today, there are more than 20.000, the firm said.
ESET also noted that NFTs have become a very interesting proposition for monetizationArtists and creators can monetize things like digital goods and art collecting, as can video game players their in-game items, among other things.
However, the growth that has accompanied cryptocurrencies and the blockchain and Web3 industry has also increased security risks for users and businesses. According to ESET, 2023 will be a year full of innovation, but we could also face several challenges related to data security as the Metaverse and Web3 continue to grow at an accelerated pace.
Continue reading: The Sandbox and OpenZeppelin launch the first cybersecurity service for the Metaverse and Web3
Main image from Pixabay
