IDX President and CEO Tom Kelly Talks VR and Cybersecurity with Technical.ly

As virtual reality technology grows, so do the questions regarding cybersecurity, and the ability to keep one's information protected while experiencing the virtual realm.

IDX President and CEO, Tom Kelly, recently spoke with Technically to discuss his concerns regarding VR platforms and the lack of transparency from companies that offer VR technology.

Tom is striving for more requirements surrounding VR companies that will provide consumers with transparent information, so that they are aware of the personal data that is at risk when using the technology.

“This is one area where the companies have shown no instinct of self-regulation,” Tom discussed. “We’re creating a format that forces transparency, where people know exactly what the risks are, just like a cigarette pack.”

Tom later pointed out a bigger issue, which is that companies are not prioritizing consumer safety.

“They don’t care,” he said. “They only care about gathering the data. Facebook’s business model is based on collecting data. It’s free because you’re the product.”

How much control you have over your personal data can vary depending on where you live. Although some states have began working on laws and regulations to help provide consumers with control over their data, they frequently see pushback from companies.

“There’s a great need for those discussions, and for expanding those protections,” said Tom.

Later, when discussing AR and the Ray Ban Stories glasses from Ray Ban and Meta, which can record photos, videos, and audio, Tom raised more concerns.

“These glasses identify you, and they can in fact start doing privacy invasion when they’re looking at you,” he said. “They know who you are. That’s a privacy threat to the individual and also privacy threats to the person in front of you.”