Rape in the Metaverse: Media Response to the UK’s First Alleged Virtual Rape

• In Event: Cyberharassment & Victimization

Abstract

There are many aspects in which society has benefited due to the rapid advancement of technology. Despite such instances, there is also increased opportunity for crime (Clarke, 2004), requiring scientific exploration of criminal activity, alongside responses to it. In early January of 2024, British police investigated the alleged virtual gang-rape of a 16-year-old girl’s avatar, which stands in place of her physical person (Davis et al., 2009). The investigation of the virtual rape is the first of its kind in the UK, and has sparked controversial discussions, largely regarding whether rape is possible without physical assault of the victim. This study uses textual analysis to explore the immediate response to the rape in the Metaverse from twenty-one popular news outlets who reported on this case. Articles not only questions the legitimacy of the crime, but whether prosecution is possible. Policy recommendations regarding potential legislative change to the definition of rape and whether police are able to, and should respond to such reports, alongside Meta safety features and liability are discussed.

Authors

• Kylie McCarthy, University of New Haven

• Paul Bleakley, University of New Haven