VRChat users’ avatars make sexual and violent threats against minors

VRChat suffered from significant issues with abuse, harassment and inappropriate content targeting minors , according to research conducted by the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH). The study found that users, including minors, were exposed to abusive behaviour approximately every seven minutes on the platform, including being regularly exposed to graphic sexual content and sexual harassment and being groomed to repeat racist slurs and extremist talking points. The platform was also found to contain threats of violence and content mocking sensitive topics such as the 9/11 terror attacks. The researchers identified 100 potential violations of Facebook's VR policies in 11.5 hours of recordings. The research highlighted serious concerns about child safety in VRChat and the broader Metaverse. The lack of moderation and enforcement of community guidelines created an environment where predatory behaviour and inappropriate content could flourish, potentially putting children at risk. Facebook/Meta was reportedly unresponsive to all reports of abusive content submitted by the researchers. The findings underscore the need for better safeguards, moderation, and parental controls in virtual reality social spaces, especially those accessible to minors. The study served as a warning to parents about the potential dangers their children may face in these virtual environments. System 🤖 VRChat Operator: VRChat Developer: VR Chat Country: USA; Global Sector: Media/entertainment/sports/arts Purpose: Manage system safety Technology: Machine learning; Safety management system Issue: Accountability; Safety; Tr ansparency

Date it happened

2021-12-01

Organisation involved

VRChat

Product, system or model

VRChat Safety and Trust System

This is a record of what was reported, not a finding that anyone broke the law. If it names your organisation and you believe it is wrong, the corrections process is free and open to everyone.