The evolution of digital and virtual worlds forces us to redefine some parameters related to the continuous exchange between these two realms, including the concepts of illegality and crime. Is it permissible to deceive an avatar? And is violence in the metaverse different from theft?
Crimes in the metaverse raise complex questions about the definition of crime and require a new legal approach adapted to the ever-evolving virtual reality. According to experts1, the assessment of crimes depends on the perception of reality and the legal behaviour in the real world. For example, consuming virtual drugs may not be considered a crime, while engaging in illicit activities with real-world impacts may be.
But let’s change the perspective: can polygamy or infidelity in the metaverse have consequences in the real world? In theory, no, yet they hold significant symbolic value, which could directly impact the real-life victim.
Virtual murder is possible in gaming contexts where it is allowed, but outside of these contexts, killing an avatar is impossible, and violence is often considered part of the game itself, with no real-world implications. However, physical violence, even without contact, can have serious psychological consequences, as demonstrated by some preventive actions taken by Meta after a complaint in 2022. These themes were brought back more recently by an alleged rape incident that occurred in Horizon Worlds, a virtual world managed by Meta, raising several questions.
1 – Eldar Haber: The Criminal Metaverse, 2023.
