The International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), which is based in Lyon, France, has established a policing metaverse unit that is expected to function around the world.

The news was announced in a press release. statement held at the 90th INTERPOL General Assembly in New Delhi, India.

The metaverse is expected to run through INTERPOL’s Secure Clouds to ensure its objectivity.

INTERPOL’s platform will allow registered individuals to interact with other officers through their personal avatars, explore a virtual replica of INTERPOL’s headquarters in Lyon, France, regardless of the user’s physical location, and even enroll in training programs advanced forensic analysis and other law enforcement skills when it fully begins its operations.

Law enforcement agencies can benefit from the metaverse in a number of ways, including remote work, networking, crime scene evidence collection and preservation, and training.

As the user population of the Metaverse increases and technology improves, there will undoubtedly be more crimes that can be committed, including crimes against children, data theft, money laundering, financial fraud, phishing, and stalking. These crimes could present a challenge to law enforcement officials because not all crimes committed physically are classified as fraudulent when committed in the digital space.

According to Madan Oberoi, INTERPOL Executive Director for Technology and Innovation,

“By recognizing these dangers early on, we can collaborate with stakeholders to develop the necessary regulatory frameworks and shut down potential criminal markets before they fully form.”

The Metaverse Experience

The Metaverse has become more than just a gaming platform. More individuals and corporations are already using the metaverse for everyday activities like working, studying, shopping, and socializing.

Usain Bolt, 11-time world champion and eight-time Olympic gold winner, has associated with the Step app to improve fitness and exercise through the metaverse and Web3. Step app users can earn rewards when they participate in fitness activities like jogging and running with friends and strangers.

The popular US retailer, Walmart, also showed interest in throw your own metaverse that can enhance the customer’s shopping experience.

Image source: Interpol