CHILD EXPLOITATION THROUGH A NEW LENS: DEVIANT USES OF VIRTUAL REALITY
Loading...
Authors
Kuzia, Shaun R.
Subjects
virtual reality
metaverse
avatars
haptics
child sexual exploitation and abuse
metaverse
avatars
haptics
child sexual exploitation and abuse
Advisors
Halladay, Carolyn C.
Brown, Shannon A.
Date of Issue
2024-09
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
As virtual reality (VR) technologies expand, they create new and dangerous avenues for child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA). Offenders will exploit VR’s immersive, anonymous, and interactive features to groom minors, distribute child sexual abuse material, and use haptic devices to simulate abusive physical contact with real-world effects. This thesis investigates the critical question: What challenges do VR technologies pose for the investigation and prosecution of CSEA crimes? Through a mixed-methods approach, including scenario development and gap analysis, the research explores how offenders could misuse VR technologies to commit a broad range of deviant offenses. Avatar anonymity and the transient nature of VR interactions make it difficult for law enforcement to track offenders and link virtual misconduct to real-world identities. Outdated tools, methods, and legal frameworks are ill-equipped to address the unique challenges of VR-enabled CSEA, resulting in significant investigative and enforcement gaps. The study recommends implementing specialized training, acquiring state-of-the-art tools, building a law enforcement presence and gaining experience in VR, modernizing legal frameworks, and fostering cross-border and cross-sector collaboration to detect, prevent, and prosecute these emerging crimes and keep pace with evolving threats.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funding
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.