Guardians of the metaverse-galaxy: legal and jurisdictional complexities in investigating sexual crime in the metaverse

• In Event: Technology-facilitated Sexual Violence against Women and Children

Abstract

With the rapid emergence of new immersive technologies, such as the notorious “metaverse” (beyond (meta) this universe), the boundaries between the physical and virtual realm become progressively blurred. Recent reports of the European Union and Interpol caution that the metaverse (or at least, its current iterations designated as such) offers ample opportunities to criminals to commit new types of crime (“Metacrime”). Since the inception of these virtual & immersive experiences, several incidents of sexual assault targeting a user’s avatar have been reported, prompting local authorities and other stakeholders to question the parameters of criminal law and criminal investigation. It raises pivotal questions about whether the harassment of avatars in the metaverse should be classified and criminalized similarly to sexual assault offences in the tangible world. To date, the legal framework for actions in the metaverse is still ambiguous, presenting uncertainties regarding both criminalization and jurisdictional matters, making the investigation of sexual crimes in the metaverse markedly complex.

Author

• Julie Van Pée, PhD Researcher Ghent University