“It wasn’t a real rape”: Media response to the UK’s first investigated metaverse rape

Advancements in technology have given individuals opportunities to connect via cyberspace in ways that were not previously possible. Alongside the benefits of new communication technologies, however, there has also been an evolution in how crimes are committed, which requires further exploration of both novel methods of online offending and the responses to it. In early January 2024, news broke of the United Kingdom’s first formally investigated rape in the virtual reality ‘metaverse’ when British police opened a case into the alleged gang-rape of a 16-year-old girl’s avatar. This event sparked controversy regarding technological safety, police and court responses, and a potential definitional change on what ‘rape’ actually is. This paper explores the complex perceptions on this case presented by 21 news outlets in the immediate aftermath of the assault. Textual analysis reveals uncertainty on the classification of this crime as a rape, with questions raised about the legitimacy of the assault and the victim’s experience, which was often presented in contrast to “actual” (in-person) rape. News outlets also questioned which parties (if any) should be charged with responding to crimes in the metaverse, with some calling for a traditional police response while others called for other actions, such as updated safety features from tech companies like Meta or increased parental supervision. Policy recommendations regarding definitional changes to legislation, along with suggestions for police and technological reform, are discussed.