Security and Legal Concerns

Spatial computing, in order to operate effectively, requires a substantial amount of data and information regarding the user’s state. When considered in a medical context, the need for such data only increases as patients must be properly cared for. The collection of this data, and the method in which it is to be handled, raises concerns regarding privacy. In order to keep one’s personal information safe, it is imperative that the challenges within spatial computing are addressed. Thus, data must be adequately encrypted, authentic content generation should be ensured, and the potential for social engineering should be mitigated (Vardhan, 2023). If proper security is to be ignored within the implementation of spatial computing, then the safety of individuals is put at risk. Severe harm could arise as a result of the failure to provide an adequate level of security. If information was to be misused or misplaced, there would be grave consequences on both personal and societal levels. It should be taken into account that personal data in this context would no longer simply include basic credentials. Personal data would be far more than credit card numbers, purchase histories, or social media presence. Instead, personal data would include specific feelings, judgments, behaviors, and even physical appearance (Morvan et al., 2020). XR will undoubtedly attract individuals who look to gain off vulnerabilities. Morvan et al. state that “the more we rely on XR technologies to perform critical day-to-day tasks, the more vulnerable we become to malicious actors” (2020). Meaning, if spatial computing is to live up to its expectations for the future, then privacy and data must be a priority. Otherwise, the systems would violate standards and confidential information would be at risk thus creating a situation in which disadvantages outweigh the potential advantages of spatial computing.