Highlights:

  • Individuals who are already utilizing an Oculus login can continue to do so until January 1, 2023.
  • Although linking social network accounts managed by Meta is not required, the firm is nonetheless offering it as an option.

Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has launched what it refers to as Meta accounts and Meta Horizon Profiles. While the global rollout will take place gradually, both “accounts” are to be used in place of the personal social media account logins — Facebook and Instagram — that were previously used to check in to the Virtual Reality (VR) system owned by Meta.

Both new and experienced Meta VR device users will have to create a Meta account to log in and access the Metaverse. After complaints about privacy concerns developed around utilizing personal social network accounts, the corporation is abandoning the outdated method of logging in.

According to the business, people can still create a Meta account using their Facebook and Instagram identities. Users who choose to create their Meta accounts through their social media accounts will be connected to the Accounts Center, the focal point for interconnected experiences across Meta.

While the company is motivating users to connect using a Meta account, individuals who are already utilizing an Oculus login can continue to do so until January 1, 2023. The company promises to “still have access to all previous VR purchases and downloads” once customers switch over.

Although linking social network accounts managed by Meta is not required, the firm is nonetheless offering it as an option. According to the social media giant, the connection will enable better metaverse experiences, like livestream sharing, chatting, and discovering followers more quickly. One needs to have the most recent software for the Oculus app and VR headset to start creating a Meta account.

In addition to the Meta account, the previous Oculus account will be replaced by a “Meta Horizon Profile.” The profile will serve as the hub for all things avatar-based and be regarded as the Metaverse’s equivalent of social media. The corporation will now use the term “Followers” instead of “Friends” in the Metaverse, giving the Horizon World platform an Instagram-like feel.

As the internet giant continues to give importance to privacy, Meta accounts will provide users with three options: “Open to Everyone,” “Friends and Family,” and “Solo.” Each option has a different impact on who can connect to and view one’s account. The default privacy setting for a user who skipped privacy setup is “Friends and Family.” Additionally, individuals can choose to make their Horizon profile private, necessitating them to accept follow requests.

By default, accounts for minors between the ages of 13 and 17 will be set to private. The accounts are currently exclusively connected to VR-related logins, although Meta may eventually broaden this capability.