The metaverse—Not a new frontier for crime

Abstract

Law enforcement co‐ordination agencies have recently issued position/guidance documents relating to the potential for VR environments (the “Metaverse”) to become new environment for criminal activity, and calling for additional work to enhance investigative capability. By reviewing the historic development of VR and comparing it with the appearance of the WWW, the authors propose that the situation is not as dire as the issued documents may suggest, but represents an evolutionary rather than revolutionary step in online experiences. They conclude, therefore, that while ability to examine VR presentation/interaction devices may be useful, continued development of ability to examine online systems remains essential.This article is categorized under: Digital and Multimedia Science > Multimedia Forensics Digital and Multimedia Science > Cybercrime Investigation Digital and Multimedia Science > Artificial Intelligence

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

“…This thoughtful approach balances the need for security against the potential negative impact of overly harsh sanctions on the Metaverse industry. Marshall and Tompsett (2023) challenge the notion of the Metaverse as a revolutionary advancement, suggesting that while it may not create new forms of abusive behaviour or crime, it can amplify existing issues on a larger scale. This nuanced perspective requires a balanced understanding of the ethical implications of immersive online experiences.…”