A virtual reality experience that asks attendees to sign over their biometric data sounds like the start of an episode of Black Mirror. But it's actually the reality of the Black Mirror Experience, now open at The Shed in New York City.
The experience guides you through the halls of Phaethon Labs, a futuristic company where you can build a digital clone of yourself called a LifeAgent. This AI clone is able to do all the unpleasant tasks you don't want to do, plus set you up for success when it comes to your life goals. All it and the Black Mirror Experience need from you are your name, your life goals, and your face and voice. You cannot participate in the experience without consenting to the use of your face and voice.In a world where our personal data is sold and packaged on the daily, you may think, "What's one more consent form, right?" But for anyone who's seen Black Mirror, the idea of giving up your likeness is enough to raise red flags. (Or, if you're like me, it'll make you full-on queasy.) Plus, there is precedence for concern: Remember when Netflix used users' photos in billboard ads tied to "Joan is Awful"?
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If you feel discomfort about giving up biometric data for a fun VR outing, staffers at the Black Mirror Experience will walk you through what the process actually entails. Your data is stored by UNIVRSE, the VR company behind the experience, for four weeks following your trip through Phaethon Labs. If you would like your data to be deleted earlier, there's an e-mail address you can reach out to. I did so, and the response to my request was speedy and helpful.
