Sexual Exploitation

VIRTUAL REALITY (VR) AND AUGMENTED REALITY (AR) SEXUAL EXPLOITATION: LEGAL AND ETHICAL CHALLENGES IN REGULATING ASSAULTS IN THE METAVERSE Suruchi Sharma, B.A.LLB (Hons) 8th Semester, Mangalayatan University Jabalpur (India) Download Manuscript doi.org/10.70183/lijdlr.2026.v04.77 The rapid evolution of immersive technologies of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality has transformed digital interactions, giving rise to the concept of the metaverse. While this technology offers unprecedented opportunities for socialisation, education and commerce, they have simultaneously created new avenues for sexual assault and exploitation. Incidents of non-consensual virtual groping, child grooming and sexual simulation facilitated through haptic devices highlight the pressing need to address these harms. Unlike traditional cybercrimes, VR/AR facilitated assault blurs the boundaries between physical and digital, raising complex legal, ethical and psychological concerns. This paper critically examines the role of technology in enabling sexual exploitation within the immersive digital environment. It analyses the limitations of the Indian legal framework, such as the Information Technology Act, 2000, BNS 2023 and the POCSO Act, 2012, alongside a comparative insight from jurisdictions like the USA and the European Union. The study highlights gaps in recognition of “virtual assault” as a distinct form of harm, jurisdictional challenges in regulating global platforms, and evidentiary hurdles in prosecution.  Further, the paper interrogates ethical dilemmas surrounding consent, anonymity and digital bodily integrity in the metaverse. It advocates a comprehensive international legal framework supported by corporate responsibility measures and technological safeguards. By proposing reforms like a Digital Bodily Integrity Charter and consent-driven design systems, the paper aims to build a safe, inclusive and rights-based metaverse.