Paper overview:
his report is one in a series of analyses on the effects of emerging technologies on U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) missions and capabilities. As part of this work, the research team was charged with developing a technology and risk assessment methodology for evaluating emerging technologies and understanding their implications in a homeland security context. The methodology and analyses provide a basis for DHS to better understand the emerging technologies and the risks presented.
This report describes the implications that the metaverse could have on digital crimes that involve the targeting and exploitation of children. These digital crimes are already occurring and have affected and endangered many victims and families. In an immersive online environment, such as the metaverse, opportunities for criminal activity and exploitation aimed at children could expand further.
Key Findings
Metaverse technologies — which encompass artificial intelligence systems, immersive technologies, and enabling digital technologies — will likely continue to become more available, have greater capabilities, and cost less to obtain and use. As has been the case with other digital technologies, metaverse technologies likely will have …
Emerging technologies like the metaverse are reshaping how people connect online, but they also open new doors for criminal exploitation—especially of children. As these tools become more powerful and easier to access, they could make it even harder to detect and prevent digital crimes in immersive environments. The Department of Homeland Security is working to understand these risks through structured analysis, hoping to stay ahead of the curve. While the report rightly highlights the heartbreaking reality that children are already being targeted, it’s crucial to recognize that current systems—like public registries—do almost nothing to stop these crimes. Registries may create a false sense of security, but they don’t prevent exploitation or protect children in digital spaces. Real protection comes from understanding how technology enables harm and building smarter, proactive solutions that address the root causes before more families are hurt
“This report describes the implications that the metaverse could have on digital crimes that involve the targeting and exploitation of children. These digital crimes are already occurring and have affected and endangered many victims and families”
Metaverse can start with all the children being exploited/ trafficked by the government, who enslaves them using their registry (peonage) system!
Great. More junk and pseudo science A.I making decisions that was programmed with all the biases that humanity can muster. The biggest mistake will be trusting the outcome as infallible gospel.