Conclusion

The continued expansion and adoption of 5G will bring with it unimaginable, wonderful XR capabilities that society should welcome. In 2008, 4G began entering our lives. It was unthinkable then that we would use a cell phone to get into a stranger’s car, translate a menu in a different language in real-time, or FaceTime someone from across the world with no lag time. Just as the app ecosystem benefited from 4G capabilities, XR technologies will also ride the wave of the 5G revolution. Yet, this incredible technological advancement will bring with it significant national security concerns. Other countries, such as China, recognize the opportunity of XR technologies and are actively paving the way to embrace it, while shaping the environment to their advantage. The United States, on the other hand, is comically behind. This must change. The debate as to whether the metaverse will happen or not is a distraction. It is already here. The question should be whether the U.S. government can learn from its past mistakes and work to foster a vibrant and safe XR ecosystem.