The advent of new technology has got the entire world on its toes. However, law enforcement agencies are the ones that have to make sure to keep things in check. The metaverse is a nascent concept that has managed to garner immense recognition. With governments across the globe veering into the industry, Interpol decided to explore metaverse waters.
The International Criminal Police Organization or Interpol entails 195 countries as its members. These countries combat international crimes through this agency. Interpol has now established its very own virtual reality space. The agency has reportedly recreated its Lyon, France headquarters.
According to Interpol secretary general Jurgen Stock, users can either train or even attend virtual meetings here.
Crime has no boundaries or limits. Criminals are emerging to become immensely sophisticated and professional with new tech. Therefore, it is pertinent for law enforcement agencies to step up their game. Elaborating on the reason behind this move, Stock said,
“We need to sufficiently respond to that. Sometimes lawmakers, police, and our societies are running a little bit behind. We have seen if we are doing it too late, it already impacts trust in the tools we are using, and therefore the metaverse. In similar platforms that already exist, criminals are using it.”
Does crime actually occur in the metaverse?
The executive director of technology and innovation at Interpol, Madan Oberoi noted that the agency was still distinguishing between acts that could be labeled as crimes. However, he pointed out how there have been several reports of sexual harassment.
For instance, a British woman claimed in February 2022 that she had experienced verbal and sexual harassment on Facebook’s Horizon Venues Metaverse. According to her, three or four male avatars “virtually gang raped” her avatar and snapped pictures of it within 60 seconds of her entering the virtual realm.
Despite the magnitude of the crime, Oberoi addressed the need for law enforcement personnel to be aware of the metaverse. He added,
“My typically used example is that if you have to save a drowning person, you need to know swimming.”
Furthermore, the lack of cybercrime laws in place have been making it has pushed Interpol to take this decision. Most cybercrime cases are international by nature. Stock added,
“With a click of a mouse, evidence is on another continent.”