The metaverse is a shared space for virtual interaction, where people can interact through lifelike avatars that represent alter egos. However, as with many types of virtual venues, the potential for interaction comes with opportunities for abuse.

virtual rape

Image by Riki32 from Pixabay

The New York Post [i] reported on the problem of sexual assault in the metaverse, discussing how within Meta, Facebook’s controversial rebrand, women were reporting sexual abuse that included everything from verbal to sexual abuse. One researcher, Nina Jane Patel, shared her experience of being “verbally and sexually harassed” within 60 seconds of logging into the “Horizon Worlds” platform. She reported that ‘three or four male avatars’ practically form gangs…