  This paper explores the core principles that should guide the construction
and governance of identity in the metaverse and identifies the critical
challenges that need to be addressed. Drawing on multidisciplinary theories and
perspectives, we define metaverse identity and propose two core principles for
understanding its intrinsic characteristics and impacts: Equivalence and
Alignment, and Fusion and Expansiveness. The first principle asserts that
metaverse identities should align with real-world norms and standards, which is
crucial for establishing guidelines and safeguarding rights. The second
principle emphasizes the need for seamless integration and boundless expansion
of metaverse identities, transcending real-world limitations to accommodate
diverse needs and foster inclusive participation. We argue that these two
principles are vital for ensuring the accountability, inclusiveness, and
consistency in the emerging metaverse era. Additionally, we identify five
critical challenges: Identity Interoperability, Legal Implications, Privacy and
Identity Management, Deepfakes and Synthetic Identities, and Identity
Fragmentation and Psychological Well-being. We discuss potential strategies to
navigate these challenges. The paper concludes by underscoring the importance
of a proactive and collaborative approach to shaping the future of metaverse
identity. As the metaverse continues to evolve, it is imperative that we
understand and address the principles and challenges surrounding identity in
this uncharted territory and work collectively to build a metaverse that
fosters responsible identity construction and expression.
