South Korea takes necessary steps to avoid sexual violence within metaverses. It is among the first counties to induce penalties against sexual violence in the metaverse.
The Ministry of Science and ICT in South Korea recently released regulations to ensure the ethical participation of members in the metaverse. This decision comes as the country faces issues with sexual-related violence in virtual spaces. As such, there is a need for protection for minors interacting in these spaces.
The South Korean government took it upon itself to review the virtual platforms’ regulations due to several reports of inappropriate behavior. However, it recognizes that defining penalties in the spaces will be no easy feat.
This gray area results from lacking the proper definition of mental or physical trauma caused by such actions within the metaverse. The Article 13-2 will specify the penalties involving avatars and sexual violence against virtual figures; thus, encouraging user protection in the spaces.
The proposed bill from November 5 targets any users who manipulate the communication systems to reach others using words; pictures; or sounds, thereby causing sexual discomfort; that is, for the purpose of deriving sexual satisfaction from the act.
Sexual Violence in the Metaverse
The metaverse space has been a fast-growing sector in the digital world. As the technology research and development within virtual spaces continue to expand, so do the issues that grow. Metaverses hassle to give their users a realistic experience for leisure or investments. However, some users are taking advantage of this opportunity to perform illegal activities in the spaces.
One such issue is gender equality. In a way, predators are using this pathway to do what they would be arrested for in the real world. On that account, users report several cases of gender-related violence in metaverses. That includes rape, illicit engagement of minors in sexual acts, groping, shunning the minority groups such as LGBTQ+ members, and more.
South Korea protecting metaverse users
In September, the South Korean government held a discussion with Meta to improve user protection within the metaverse. While some according to the current South Korean laws limit the damage to physical assault, more is to come to overcome metaverse sexual violence.
In September, South Korean officials met with Meta to discuss more options concerning user protection. That included more straightforward methods using Meta’s algorithms. According to the Communications Commission of South Korea, sexual predators are still on the loose.
South Korea is among the nations taking steps to exercise personal boundaries within the metaverse.
