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INTERPOL Warns Of 'Metacrime' On The Metaverse
An Insight into Crime of the Future in the Metaverse
Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• INTERPOL
About This Article
INTERPOL's new white paper delves into the emerging challenges of the Metaverse, highlighting the rise of 'Metacrime.'
From grooming and radicalization to cyber-attacks targeting critical infrastructure and virtual property theft, law enforcement faces multifaceted threats in virtual realms. The paper underscores the complexities of investigating crimes where physical evidence is absent, emphasizing the need for digital forensic expertise. Yet, it also recognizes the potential for law enforcement, including advanced simulation and immersive training.
As the criminal landscape evolves, INTERPOL stresses the importance of global collaboration and a holistic approach to tackle Metacrime effectively, ensuring the safety and security of virtual environments while embracing emerging technologies.
Grooming, Radicalization, and Cyber-Attacks: INTERPOL Warns of 'Metacrime'
New White Paper on Metacrime provides an in-depth analysis of the Metaverse from a law enforcement perspective
DAVOS, Switzerland – A comprehensive analysis of the Metaverse's key challenges, threats, and harms from a law enforcement perspective is outlined in a new INTERPOL White Paper published today.
Contributing towards a secure-by-design Metaverse, the document identifies current and potential Metacrimes, such as grooming, radicalization, and cyber-physical attacks against critical infrastructure, as well as theft of 3D virtual/cultural property, trespassing in private virtual spaces, and robbery from an avatar.
A lack of standardization and interoperability; virtual worlds spanning multiple jurisdictions; and the added complexity of the Metaverse being accessed across multiple devices and systems: all are among the challenges currently faced by investigators.
Police may be faced with virtual crime scenes where there is no physical evidence to be collected – just digital interactions involving virtual assets such as cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
Such online environments are dynamic, meaning evidence can easily vanish or appear altered.
Nevertheless, the INTERPOL paper also notes that the Metaverse holds opportunities for law enforcement, ranging from advanced simulation and virtual crime scene preservation to immersive training.
New Criminal Opportunities
The Paper also underlines the need for first responders, digital forensic specialists and the judicial system to understand the Metaverse and associated technology to ensure the safety and security of the virtual environment and protect individual rights.
"The rise of powerful technologies such as the Metaverse is making the criminal landscape increasingly complex and transnational, posing new challenges for law enforcement."
Jürgen Stock, INTERPOL Secretary General
"We are seeing the Metaverse and artificial intelligence provide new opportunities for criminal activities, for which the world is not fully prepared."INTERPOL remains committed to being the voice of global law enforcement community to ensure the safety and security of the virtual world."
A Holistic Approach
Spanning multiple jurisdictions, dimensions, and organizations, a holistic approach involving multi-stakeholder engagements and cross-border collaboration is essential for an effective law enforcement response to Metacrime.
INTERPOL's ambition is to help its member countries understand both the challenges and opportunities offered by new and emerging technologies, as well as ensure law enforcement has the tools and training to mount an effective response to this evolving crime landscape.
Launched at the World Economic Forum's Global Collaboration Village as part of the 'Next-Generation Technologies and Global Security' session, the Paper was developed with input from the INTERPOL Metaverse Expert Group made up of representatives from law enforcement, government, the private sector, academia, and international organizations.
In October 2022, INTERPOL unveiled the first-ever Metaverse specifically designed for law enforcement worldwide, offering immersive training courses to law enforcement across the globe.
INTERPOL White Paper:
Metaverse – A Law Enforcement Perspective
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More INTERPOL Related Information:
- Interpol Operation Jackal – Arrested Over 100 (scamsnow.com)
- INTERPOL Operation HAECHI IV – Over 3,500 Successful Arrests – Expanded Details – 2023 (scamsnow.com)
- INTERPOL Issues Global Warning On Human Trafficking-Fueled Fraud (scamsnow.com)
- INTERPOL Identified Networks Linked to Financial Losses of More Than USD $40 Million (scamsnow.com)
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Please visit www.ScamVictimsSupport.org – a SCARS Website for New Scam Victims & Sextortion Victims
SCARS Institute now offers a free recovery program at www.SCARSeducation.org
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If you are looking for local trauma counselors, please visit counseling.AgainstScams.org
If you need to speak with someone now, you can dial 988 or find phone numbers for crisis hotlines all around the world here: www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines
Statement About Victim Blaming
Some of our articles discuss various aspects of victims. This is both about better understanding victims (the science of victimology) and their behaviors and psychology. This helps us to educate victims/survivors about why these crimes happened and not to blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and help victims avoid scams in the future. At times, this may sound like blaming the victim, but it does not blame scam victims; we are simply explaining the hows and whys of the experience victims have.
These articles, about the Psychology of Scams or Victim Psychology – meaning that all humans have psychological or cognitive characteristics in common that can either be exploited or work against us – help us all to understand the unique challenges victims face before, during, and after scams, fraud, or cybercrimes. These sometimes talk about some of the vulnerabilities the scammers exploit. Victims rarely have control of them or are even aware of them, until something like a scam happens, and then they can learn how their mind works and how to overcome these mechanisms.
Articles like these help victims and others understand these processes and how to help prevent them from being exploited again or to help them recover more easily by understanding their post-scam behaviors. Learn more about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org
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Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in this and other SCARS articles are intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
Note about Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices have the potential to create psychological distress for some individuals. Please consult a mental health professional or experienced meditation instructor for guidance should you encounter difficulties.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual's experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here
If you are in crisis, feeling desperate, or in despair, please call 988 or your local crisis hotline.
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A Question of Trust
At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish. Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors' experience. You can do Google searches, but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.
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