Redefining Boundaries in the Metaverse: Navigating the Challenges of Virtual Harm and User Safety

Mohamed Chawki, Subhajit Basu and Kyung-Shick Choi ()
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Mohamed Chawki: Criminal Law Department, Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, Riyadh 11452, Saudi Arabia
Subhajit Basu: School of Law, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
Kyung-Shick Choi: Metropolitan College, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA

Laws, 2024, vol. 13, issue 3, 1-23

Abstract: This paper analyses sexual crimes within the Metaverse to develop an effective legal framework. The aim is to enhance safety in virtual realities, ensuring the Metaverse remains a secure, respectful, and liberating environment for all users. As the Metaverse continues to evolve, merging augmented physical reality with digital existence, it introduces new opportunities for socialisation, commerce, education, and entertainment. However, this digital realm also faces significant challenges, particularly the increase in sexual violence. This article evaluates the development of the Metaverse and its impact on sexual offences. It provides an overview of the Metaverse, followed by an in-depth exploration of the nature of sexual violence in this virtual space, its effects on victims, and the resulting legal and ethical issues. Additionally, this article examines the complexities of combating sexual violence within the Metaverse, reviewing the legal frameworks in various jurisdictions, including the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and South Korea. These examinations reveal a range of legal viewpoints and possible solutions. This article outlines a proposed legal framework, highlighting key strategic areas for mitigating sexual violence in the Metaverse. The primary objective is to enrich the discourse on the Metaverse, pushing for strong, flexible, and holistic legal measures. Through this research, we aim to contribute to the creation of protective mechanisms against sexual violence in these emerging virtual landscapes.

Keywords: Metaverse; sexual violence; legal challenges; international law; regulation; legal framework; USA; EU; South Korea (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D78 E61 E62 F13 F42 F68 K0 K1 K2 K3 K4 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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