New Bill Proposes Advisory Panel to Guide US Strategy on VR, AR, and Mixed Reality Tech

Congress is looking to get ahead in the world of immersive technology – think virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). The proposed "United States Leadership in Immersive Technology Act of 2025" aims to establish a dedicated game plan for how the U.S. develops, uses, and leads in this space, seeing it as crucial for the economy and national security.

Charting the Course for Future Tech

The core idea here is setting up an "Immersive Technology Advisory Panel" within 180 days of the bill passing. This isn't just another committee; it's designed to bring together heavy hitters from government and the private sector. Think heads of departments like Defense, Energy, Labor, Education, and Health, alongside 6 to 10 experts from universities, tech firms, and consumer groups. Their job? To advise the Secretary of Commerce – who will also appoint a specific "principal advisor" for this tech – on how the U.S. can stay competitive, foster collaboration between government and industry on things like technical standards and cybersecurity, and figure out the ethical rules of the road, especially concerning data and privacy.

From Big Ideas to Brass Tacks

This panel isn't just talking shop; it's tasked with a major two-year study. They'll dig into how immersive tech impacts key sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, and education, and what investments are needed for the U.S. to lead globally. A big piece of this involves figuring out voluntary standards or best practices to make sure this tech is user-friendly, accessible, and protects things like your privacy, digital identity, and intellectual property. They'll also assess the national security implications – both the benefits and the risks. Once the study's done, the findings and recommendations land on Congress's desk and get posted publicly online.

What It Means in the Real World

So, why should you care? This effort could shape how immersive tech integrates into daily life – from job training simulations in skilled trades to new tools in healthcare or more engaging remote work setups. The focus on ethical safeguards and privacy standards (Section 5(d) and 6(e)) is key, as this tech often involves collecting significant user data. However, the bill sets up the framework for recommendations, not the specific rules themselves. How effective these safeguards become will depend on future actions and how well the panel balances input from tech companies with the need to protect individuals. There's also the question of who gets a seat at the table, as the Secretary has significant say in appointing non-government experts (Section 5(c)(13)), which could influence the panel's direction.