Crimes Committed on Metaverse Platforms and the Challenges They Pose to Criminal Law

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to demonstrate the extent to which traditional criminal law falls short in addressing crimes committed within the metaverse. It further seeks to clarify the impact of using avatars on determining the subjective element of crime in the metaverse environment and to offer both theoretical and practical proposals for adapting criminal provisions and prosecution mechanisms to the unique nature of metaverse-related crimes.

Methods: The study adopts an analytical approach to assess the applicability of traditional legal rules to acts that threaten legally protected rights and interests when committed within the metaverse.

Results: The study arrives at several key findings, most notably: the metaverse constitutes a potential environment for novel criminal acts that may evade traditional forms of criminalization; reliance on avatars undermines the ability to establish the subjective element of a crime; a legislative gap exists that, at times, hinders the prosecution of metaverse-related crimes; and procedural challenges persist, such as difficulties in identifying users and collecting admissible evidence.

Conclusion: The study recommends amending general rules of criminalization and punishment, developing advanced technical verification mechanisms to link digital identities with real-world individuals, and establishing effective international legal cooperation to ensure that criminal legislation keeps pace with the rapidly evolving digital landscape.