ETHICAL GOVERNANCE AND HUMAN-CENTRIC DESIGN IN THE MULTISENSORY METAVERSE: THE CASE OF DIGITAL OLFACTION

Dimitrios Panagiotakopoulos

doi:10.69635/mssl.2026.2.2.42

Authors

Dimitrios Panagiotakopoulos Dept. of Graphic Design & Visual Communication, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7087-772X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69635/mssl.2026.2.2.42

Keywords:

Metaverse, Metavethics, Multisensory Experiences, Digital Olfaction

Abstract

This work explores the complex landscape of ethical governance and the regulatory framework governing the metaverse, with a specific focus on the integration of multisensory experiences and digital olfaction. It analyzes the role of the metaverse as a catalyst for digital transformation and examines key international and European legislative initiatives, highlighting the current regulatory void surrounding sensory data and "cognitive biometrics." The research addresses the critical risks associated with emotional manipulation and the emergence of the "Darkverse," where immersive environments can be exploited for subconscious psychological influence. As a strategic response, the study proposes an Ethical UX Design Framework tailored for digital olfaction, emphasizing user autonomy, explicit consent, and accessibility for individuals with olfactory dysfunctions. By bridging technological innovation with ethical mediation and participatory design, this research contributes to the development of a more secure, inclusive, and ethically governed multisensory metaverse.

References

Açıkyıldız, Ç. (2024a). “I know you like the back of my hand”: Biometric practices of humanitarian organisations in international aid. Disasters, 48(2), e12612. https://doi.org/10.1111/disa.12612

Agarwal, A., & Alathur, S. (2023). Metaverse revolution and the digital transformation: Intersectional analysis of Industry 5.0. Transforming Government: People, Process and Policy, 17(4), 688–707. https://doi.org/10.1108/TG-03-2023-0036

Al-Kfairy, M., Alrabaee, S., Alfandi, O., Mohamed, A. T., & Khaddaj, S. (2025). Navigating ethical dimensions in the metaverse: Challenges, frameworks, and solutions. IEEE Access, 13, 79996–80018. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2025.3564498

Awadallah, A. M., Damiani, E., Zemerly, J., & Yeun, C. Y. (2023). Identity threats in the metaverse and future research opportunities. 2023 International Conference on Business Analytics for Technology and Security (ICBATS). https://doi.org/10.1109/ICBATS57792.2023.10111122

Belk, R., Humayun, M., & Brouard, M. (2022). Money, possessions, and ownership in the metaverse: NFTs, cryptocurrencies, Web3 and wild markets. Journal of Business Research, 153, 198–205. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2022.08.031

Bouderhem, R. (2024). Ethical and regulatory challenges for AI biosensors in healthcare. Proceedings, 104(1), 37. https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024104037

Chaki, J., Dey, N., Shi, F., & Sherratt, R. S. (2019). Pattern mining approaches used in sensor-based biometric recognition: A review. IEEE Sensors Journal, 19(10), 3569–3580. https://doi.org/10.1109/JSEN.2019.2894972

Cheong, B. C. (2022). Avatars in the metaverse: Potential legal issues and remedies. International Cybersecurity Law Review, 3(2), 467–494. https://doi.org/10.1365/s43439-022-00056-9

Clapham, D., Belissa, E., Inghelbrecht, S., Pensé-Lhéritier, A.-M., Ruiz, F., Sheehan, L., Shine, M., Vallet, T., Walsh, J., & Tuleu, C. (2023). A guide to best practice in sensory analysis of pharmaceutical formulations. Pharmaceutics, 15(9), 2319. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15092319

Council of Europe. (2018a). Protocol amending the Convention for the Protection of Individuals with regard to Automatic Processing of Personal Data (CETS No. 223 – Convention 108+). Council of Europe.

Council of the European Union. (2022a). Metaverse: Virtual world, real challenges. ART Analysis and Research Team Concept Paper.

Council of the European Union. (2022c). The metaverse in the context of the fight against terrorism (Document ST 9292/22).

de Almeida, P. G. R., Santos, C. D., & Farias, J. S. (2021). Artificial intelligence regulation: A framework for governance. Ethics and Information Technology, 23, 505–525. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10676-021-09593-z

Deliyannis, I., Panagopoulos, I., Panagiotakopoulos, D., Marentakis, G., & Metzitakos, R. (2024). The sensory enrichment and interactivity of immersive user experiences in the public sector: The Ionian Film Office metaverse. In V. Geroimenko (Ed.), Augmented and virtual reality in the metaverse. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-57746-8_9

Dragu, T., & Lupu, Y. (2021). Digital authoritarianism and the future of human rights. International Organization, 75(4), 991–1017. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0020818320000624

Dwivedi, Y. K., Hughes, L., Baabdullah, A. M., Ribeiro-Navarrete, S., Giannakis, M., Al-Debei, M., ... & Wamba, S. F. (2022). Metaverse beyond the hype: Multidisciplinary perspectives on emerging challenges, opportunities, and agenda for research, practice and policy. International Journal of Information Management, 66, 102542.

Dwivedi, Y. K., Kshetri, N., Hughes, L., Slade, E. L., Rana, N. P., Baabdullah, A. M., ... & Yan, M. (2023). Exploring the darkverse: A multi-perspective analysis of the negative societal impacts of the metaverse. Information Systems Frontiers, 25(6), 2071–2114.

European Commission. (2023). Next generation virtual worlds: Societal, technological, economic and policy challenges for the EU. Publications Office of the European Union.

European Parliament. (2023). Metaverse: Opportunities, risks and policy implications: Study for the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO).

European Parliament. (2024). Resolution of 17 January 2024 on policy implications of the development of virtual worlds: Civil, company, commercial and intellectual property law issues (P9_TA(2024)0029).

Federal Trade Commission. (2023). FTC warns about misuses of biometric information and harm to consumers.

Fuentes, S., Gonzalez Viejo, C., Torrico, D. D., & Dunshea, F. R. (2018). Development of a biosensory computer application to assess physiological and emotional responses from sensory panelists. Sensors, 18(9), 2958.

Fulkerson, M. (2013). Explaining multisensory experience: Comment on Kevin Connolly’s “Making sense of multiple senses.” In Consciousness inside and out: Phenomenology, neuroscience, and the nature of experience (pp. 365–373). Springer.

Hadzovic, S., Mrdović, S., & Radonjić, M. (2023). A path towards an Internet of Things and artificial intelligence regulatory framework. IEEE Communications Magazine, 61, 90–96.

Hardyanthi, K. (2024). Cybersecurity and human rights: Protecting biometric data under the UN framework. Digital Rights Journal, 8(2), 112–128.

Helbing, D., Mahajan, S., Carpentras, D., et al. (2024). Co-creating the future: Participatory cities and digital governance. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A, 382(2285).

Hine, E., Rezende, I., Roberts, H., Floridi, L., & Taddeo, M. (2024). Safety and privacy in immersive extended reality: An analysis and policy recommendations. Digital Society, 3(2), 33.

Homberg, M., & Möckel, B. (2022). Human rights and technological change: Conflicts and convergences after 1945. Wallstein Verlag.

Huang, R., Li, J., Li, W., & Cui, L. (2020). Deep ensemble capsule network for intelligent compound fault diagnosis using multisensory data. IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement, 69(5), 2304–2314.

Huszti-Orbán, K., & Ní Aoláin, F. (2020). Use of biometric data to identify terrorists: Best practice or risky business? UN Special Rapporteur Report, Human Rights Council.

IEEE. (2022). The IEEE Global Initiative on Ethics of Extended Reality (XR) report: Metaverse and its governance (Vol. 1, pp. 1–31). IEEE.

Ienca, M., & Andorno, R. (2017). Towards new human rights in the age of neuroscience and neurotechnology. Life Sciences, Society and Policy, 13(1), 5.

Kaye, J. J. (2004). Making scents: Aromatic output for HCI. Interactions, 11(1), 48–61.

Khan, S., Parkinson, S., Grant, L., Liu, N., & Mcguire, S. (2020). Biometric systems utilising health data from wearable devices: Applications and future challenges in computer security. ACM Computing Surveys, 53(4), 1–29.

Kostenko, O., Furashev, V., Zhuravlov, D., & Dniprov, O. (2022). Genesis of legal regulation web and the model of the electronic jurisdiction of the metaverse. Bratislava Law Review, 6(2), 21–36.

Land, M. K., & Aronson, J. D. (2018). The promise and peril of human rights technology. In M. K. Land & J. D. Aronson (Eds.), New technologies for human rights law and practice (pp. 1–20). Cambridge University Press.

Li, J., Maiti, A., & Fei, J. (2023). Features and scope of regulatory technologies: Challenges and opportunities with Industrial Internet of Things. Future Internet, 15(8), 256.

Magee, P., Ienca, M., & Farahany, N. (2024). Beyond neural data: Cognitive biometrics and mental privacy. Neuron, 112(18), 3017–3028.

Meta. (2022). Economic opportunities in the metaverse: A policy approach. Meta White Paper.

Moore, P., & Piwek, L. (2017). Regulating wellbeing in the brave new quantified workplace. Employee Relations, 39(3), 308–316.

Nagy, N. (2024). “Humanity’s new frontier”: Human rights implications of artificial intelligence and new technologies. Hungarian Journal of Legal Studies, 64(2), 236–267.

Obrist, M. (2021). Multisensory experiences: Where the senses meet technology. In Human-computer interaction – INTERACT 2021 (pp. 14–23). Springer.

Panagiotakopoulos, D., Cheirchanteri, G., & Tzortzi, S. (2025). Participatory design as a tool for inclusive and ethical metaverse [Paper presentation]. Cumulus Conference Johannesburg 2025, South Africa.

Panagiotakopoulos, D., Marentakis, G., Metzitakos, R., Deliyannis, I., & Dedes, F. (2022). Digital scent technology: Toward the Internet of senses and the metaverse. IT Professional, 24(3), 52–59. https://doi.org/10.1109/MITP.2022.317729

Parisi, T. (2021, September 10). The seven rules of the metaverse. Medium.

Persiani, S. G. L., Kobas, B., Koth, S. C., & Auer, T. (2021). Biometric data as real-time measure of physiological reactions to environmental stimuli in the built environment. Energies, 14(1), 232.

Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council (General Data Protection Regulation). Official Journal of the European Union, L 119/1.

Regulation (EU) 2022/1925 of the European Parliament and of the Council (Digital Markets Act). Official Journal of the European Union, L 265/1.

Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council (Digital Services Act). Official Journal of the European Union, L 277/1.

Rehm, S. V., Goel, L., & Crespi, M. (2015). The metaverse as mediator between technology, trends, and the digital transformation of society and business. Journal of Virtual Worlds Research, 8(2).

Şahin, S. Z. (2023). Citizenship and citizen participation in metaverse. In Metaverse (Vol. 133, pp. 235–251). Springer.

Shany, Y. (2023). Digital rights and the outer limits of international human rights law. German Law Journal, 24(3), 461–472.

Sun, T., Yuan, Z., Li, C., Zhang, K., & Xu, J. (2023). The value of personal data in internet commerce: A high-stakes field experiment on data regulation policy. Management Science, 70(4), 2645–2660.

Tariq, S., Abuadbba, A., & Moore, K. (2023). Deepfake in the metaverse: Security implications for virtual gaming, meetings, and offices. The 2nd Workshop on the Security Implications of Deepfakes and Cheapfakes.

Tatar, A. B. (2023). Biometric identification system using EEG signals. Neural Computing and Applications, 35(2), 1009–1023.

Terec-Vlad, L. (2022). General considerations on international human rights law in the context of new technologies. Journal for Social Media Inquiry, 4(1), 41–47.

Tu, X., & de Castro e Silva, B. (2025). Are we ready for the metaverse? Implications, legal landscape, and recommendations for responsible development. Digital Society, 4(1).

UNESCO. (2024). First draft of a recommendation on the ethics of neurotechnology (Document SHS/BIO/AHEG-Neuro/2024/1.REV). UNESCO.

Velasco, C., & Obrist, M. (2020). Multisensory experiences: Where the senses meet technology. Oxford University Press.

Velasco, C., & Obrist, M. (2021). Multisensory experiences: A primer. Frontiers in Computer Science, 3, 614524.

Visalli, M., Schlich, P., Mahieu, B., Thomas, A., Weber, M., & Guichard, E. (2023). First steps towards FAIRization of product-focused sensory data. Food Quality and Preference, 104, 104765.

Wang, H., Ning, H., Lin, Y., Wang, W., Dhelim, S., ... & Daneshmand, M. (2023). A survey on the metaverse: The state-of-the-art, technologies, applications, and challenges. IEEE Internet of Things Journal, 10(16), 14671–14688.

Wei, J., & Ye, D. (2023). Multisensor scheduling for remote state estimation over a temporally correlated channel. IEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics, 19(1), 800–808.

Wendehorst, C., & Duller, Y. (2021). Biometric recognition and behavioural detection. European Parliament.

Wilson, L. E., et al. (2022). Australian biometric system to meet national security objectives – Part II legislation and policy. Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences, 54(1), 133–148.

Yilma, K. (2023). Emerging technologies and human rights at the United Nations. IEEE Technology and Society Magazine, 42(1), 54–64.

Zallio, M., & Clarkson, P. J. (2023). The ethics of the metaverse and digital, virtual and immersive environments: Metavethics. In The future of metaverse in the virtual era and physical world (pp. 109–130). Springer.

Zhao, X., Zou, H., Wang, M., Wang, J., Wang, T., Wang, L., & Chen, X. (2024). Conformal neuromorphic bioelectronics for sense digitalization. Advanced Materials, 36(35), 2403444.