A shocking and distressing incident within the metaverse has left law enforcement agencies and the public grappling with the implications of virtual sexual offences. Police in the United Kingdom are now investigating the first reported case of rape within a virtual reality video game, highlighting the urgent need for legislative measures to address this emerging issue.
The victim, a child under the age of 16, endured a traumatic experience when her digital avatar in the game was subjected to a gang rape by online strangers. While no physical harm was inflicted, the psychological and emotional impact on the victim has been likened to that of a real-world sexual assault. The immersive nature of the virtual experience blurs the lines between the digital and physical realms, raising significant concerns.
This landmark investigation represents the first instance in the UK where law enforcement is addressing a virtual sexual offence. The rise in popularity of virtual reality headsets, particularly among children aged five to ten, has heightened concerns. The NSPCC estimates that 15 per cent of children in this age group use such devices, with 6 per cent using them daily. The potential risks associated with this technology demand immediate attention.
Tech giants like Meta (formerly Facebook), Google, and Microsoft have heavily invested in the metaverse, a digital realm where users can explore their fantasies. However, the protective measures within these virtual spaces, including personal boundaries, have proven to be insufficient. Some victims have reported being coerced into disabling these safeguards before falling victim to virtual assaults.
Europol has warned of potential security risks as the metaverse is projected to contribute €1.6 trillion (£1.4 trillion) to the global economy by 2035, with an estimated 25 per cent of people spending at least an hour daily in this virtual realm.
This case has ignited a broader debate regarding the role of law enforcement in pursuing virtual offences, particularly in light of the significant backlog of real-world rape cases. Questions have arisen regarding the adequacy of existing laws to prosecute such virtual crimes. Ian Critchley, the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s Child Protection and Abuse Investigation Lead, has emphasized the metaverse’s potential as a hunting ground for predators targeting children, emphasizing the need for legislative action.
While the specifics of the case remain confidential to protect the child involved, concerns have been raised about the challenges of prosecution. Nonetheless, a senior officer familiar with the case has highlighted the profound psychological trauma experienced by the victim, comparable to that of a physical assault. These complexities underscore the necessity of reviewing current legislation to establish appropriate legal frameworks.
Previous instances of sexual attacks within virtual platforms have been reported, with Horizon Worlds, a free VR online game operated by Meta, being a notable example. Users create their avatars and navigate virtual spaces using VR headsets. Psychotherapist Nina Jane Patel, a metaverse researcher, has shared harrowing experiences of virtual gang rape within Horizon Venues.
Donna Jones, Chairwoman of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, has emphasized the urgency of updating laws to protect women and children amid evolving risks associated with artificial intelligence and metaverse platforms.
The debate surrounding the harmful and criminological impacts of virtual worlds initially arose in 1993 when journalist Julian Dibble documented the “Mr. Bungle case,” involving an alleged “virtual rape” in the text-based virtual world known as LambdaMOO. The recent case underscores the need for comprehensive and up-to-date legislation to address the challenges presented by the metaverse.
