Extended Reality (XR) and the ‘metaverse’ refers to a spectrum of technologies merging physical and virtual environments. XR has the potential to revolutionize various sectors, but it also presents important ethical challenges that need to be addressed to ensure responsible and safe use. This policy brief highlights three key issues and provides recommendations to mitigate risks and maximize the benefits of XR for policymakers and stakeholders, specifically targeting Horizon Europe ethics appraisal scheme experts and members of Research Ethics Committees (RECs).