The metaverse, a platform for virtual crime? : an analysis on the perceptions of subject matter experts

Abstract

As the Metaverse develops, so could the proliferation of virtual crime. This is the hypothesis that this study brings forth as it explores the perceptions of subject matter experts about virtual crime in the Metaverse. These experts are involved in the field of virtual reality, identity verification, artificial intelligence, ethics, and philosophy of future technology, alongside a number of gate keepers that belong to the fields of anti-cybercrime and cyber security. By means of a thematic analysis, the study explores five distinct virtual offences which could hypothetically flourish by means of Metaverse technology. In addition, the study sets to understand how experts perceive virtual crimes in contrast to real-life crimes. Finally, the study attempts to understand how virtual crime could be mitigated with current, and future technology. The overarching findings indicate that virtual crime poses a significant criminogenic threat as the Metaverse matures, with some virtual crimes determined to be more concerning than others. In addition, the findings point toward distinct research topics which should be analysed further, such as verification, centralisation, regulation, and the codification of virtual crimes in penal codes. Based on the findings of this dissertation, it is recommended that Metaverse experts, law enforcement, and policy makers, should invest in further research on the likelihood occurrences of virtual crime.