Criminal law counteraction indecent acts in relation to minors in the metaverse space

Abstract

The metaverse is an integration of advanced technologies such as cloud computing, big data, blockchain, and augmented reality (XR) to create interconnections between the physical and virtual worlds. This system provides the effect of a network application in the context of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and their extensions beyond traditional models. In recent years, the global metaverse industry has made significant progress thanks to the rapid development of digital twin technologies, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality (XR). This has not only transformed the network structure that developed in the Internet age, but has also created new challenges in the field of cybersecurity and legal regulation. Obscene behavior in the metaverse can cause serious psychological damage to users, which manifests itself in the real world. Therefore, it is necessary to develop appropriate mechanisms for the criminal protection of victims in this area. Special attention should be paid to the problem of indecent acts against minors in the space of the metaverse. Such crimes can take various forms, including “remote and virtual contact,” “virtual sexual exposure,” “obscenity with virtual violence,” and “perfecting deception skills.” In modern China, the criminal law regulation of these socially dangerous acts should be based on the principle of the most favored minors through appropriate judicial interpretation in accordance with the current Criminal Code of the People’s Republic of China.

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