LI Network
Published on: January 22, 2024 at 10:37 IST
INTERPOL brought attention to the rising concern of Metacrimes, encompassing issues such as grooming, radicalization, and cyber-physical attacks on critical infrastructure.
The international law enforcement agency has identified the theft of 3D virtual/cultural property, trespassing in private virtual spaces, and robbery from avatars as current and potential threats within the Metaverse.
In October 2023, INTERPOL established the INTERPOL Metaverse Expert Group, comprising stakeholders from member countries, governments, the private sector, academia, and other international organizations. This group aims to contribute to a secure-by-design Metaverse.
The Metaverse, seen as the future of the internet, is described as a three-dimensional online environment where users, represented by avatars, interact in virtual spaces detached from the physical world. While offering advantages such as immersive learning and global collaboration, law enforcement faces challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, privacy concerns, jurisdictional ambiguity, and cybersecurity threats.
The report also delves into the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in predictive policing, acknowledging its benefits but raising concerns about potential privacy violations and biases.
The legal status and liability of avatars are questioned, emphasizing the need for controls and regulations, especially in light of recent legal cases.
Professor Subhajit Basu, Chair in Law and Technology at the University of Leeds, highlights the complexity of interoperability and the importance of establishing universal protocols for seamless interactions across virtual spaces. Addressing concerns related to data protection, privacy, intellectual property rights, and consumer protection laws, the report emphasizes the need for a comprehensive legal framework.
In conclusion, the INTERPOL report emphasizes the Metaverse’s potential for law enforcement but underscores the necessity of addressing governance challenges, international laws, and engaging in cross-border collaboration to effectively combat Metacrimes across multiple jurisdictions and organizations. Regular policy reviews are recommended to ensure future-proof policies in this evolving landscape.