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Carlotta Rigotti, a post-doctoral researcher at eLaw—Center for Law and Digital Technologies, alongside Professor Clare McGlynn from Durham University, has co-authored a noteworthy article in the Oxford Journal of Legal Studies. This publication introduces the concept of meta-rape and delves into its implications within the framework of criminal law.
The metaverse, increasingly facilitating interactions that blend the physical and digital worlds—especially through haptic technology that simulates sensory experiences—stands to play a significant role in everyday life. However, this evolving digital landscape is also becoming increasingly associated with incidents of sexual violence.
Reports from women users reveal rising instances of non-consensual physical interactions, image-based sexual abuse, and innovative forms of gendered harm, often dismissed or inadequately addressed by current legal systems. The concept of “meta-rape” is proposed in this article to more accurately reflect the intense, embodied nature of these offenses. It aims to redefine categories of sexual harassment and abuse within the metaverse and provides a thorough examination of potential criminal law responses.
In contrast to common assumptions, Rigotti and McGlynn assert that existing legal statutes could already be applicable to certain manifestations of meta-rape. They advocate for reforms aimed at fortifying and adapting criminal legislation to better account for intimate violations that may occur in virtual spaces. By reframing the legal understanding of meta-rape, the article endeavours to address the frequency and significance of these gender-specific harms while promoting safety and autonomy in online environments.
More information:
Clare McGlynn et al, From Virtual Rape to Meta-rape: Sexual Violence, Criminal Law and the Metaverse, Oxford Journal of Legal Studies (2025). DOI: 10.1093/ojls/gqaf009
Provided by Leiden University
Citation:
Study explores how criminal law could address sexual violence in the metaverse (2025, April 28) retrieved 28 April 2025 from https://phys.org/news/2025-04-explores-criminal-law-sexual-violence.html
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phys.org