The Apple Vision Pro, recently launched in Australia, allows people to enter immersive online environments known as the metaverse. In these virtual spaces, users can experience various activities. However, there are also risks, leading to the rise of ‘metacrimes’.

Understanding the Metaverse

The metaverse comprises three-dimensional virtual worlds that you access with VR headsets. In these worlds, users can interact in realistic settings. Movies like Ready Player One show what these interactive universes can be like, bringing new types of online behaviors and crimes.

Defining Metacrimes

Metacrimes are crimes that happen within the metaverse. These crimes are similar to cybercrimes but have unique features that require new reporting and investigation methods. One important aspect of meta crimes is the immersive VR experience, which makes negative interactions like harassment more impactful. If there are no recording tools, it can be hard to gather evidence. Current user controls in VR may not stop these incidents effectively.

Risks for Vulnerable Populations

Children are a large group of metaverse users and are at higher risk, facing dangers like grooming and exposure to abusive behavior. Studies show that such negative interactions happen often, raising serious concerns about online safety. Cases like the first reported rape in the UK’s metaverse highlight the urgent need for legal frameworks. Victims report experiencing psychological trauma similar to physical assaults, showing the seriousness of metacrimes.

Challenges in Law Enforcement

Metacrimes complicate accountability and responsibility because traditional laws don’t cover crimes involving virtual avatars well. New methods of harm, like manipulating VR technologies, make enforcement even more difficult. With big tech companies investing heavily in the metaverse, it is expected to grow quickly. Predictions from Gartner suggest more people will join the metaverse, making it necessary to create legal and regulatory measures to ensure safety.

About the Metaverse

Integration of Technologies

The metaverse combines virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and blockchain technology to create immersive digital environments where users can interact and transact.

Popularity and Origins

The concept originated from Neal Stephenson’s 1992 novel “Snow Crash” and gained widespread attention when Facebook rebranded to Meta in 2021.

Economic and Social Impact

The metaverse significantly influences various sectors such as gaming, remote work, and education. Virtual real estate is becoming highly valuable, with sales reaching millions, and cryptocurrencies are commonly used for transactions within this digital space.