Metaverse tools improve crime scene analysis and law enforcement: Interpol report
According to a white paper released by the Interpol Metaverse Expert Group, Metaverse platforms can be a valuable tool for law enforcement training and crime scene protection and analysis.
A research report published by the International Law Enforcement Organization delves into the many aspects of Metavas and looks at various use cases that can help law enforcement agencies around the world.
The document also explores the challenges of obtaining and obtaining evidence from server, engine, platform and virtual asset analytics related to metaverse and cybercrimes.
The working group was established in October 2022 and developed various recommendations and guidelines to combat abuse of Metaverse platforms and use these platforms as a law enforcement tool.
Metaverse as a law enforcement tool
The Interpol report highlights a few “concrete” use cases for physical, augmented and virtual reality metaverse applications for law enforcement agencies.
Metaverse environments are expected to be essential tools for immersive training that can streamline frontline policing. The report highlights how different agencies can coordinate and respond more effectively to different situations using Metaverse-based training and simulation methods:
“Re-creating crime scenes, sharing information and planning strategies can enhance situational awareness and thereby positively impact front-line policing capabilities.”
Another creative approach is to use Metaverse platforms to create virtual replicas of crime scenes. This allows detectives to access and analyze crime scenes indefinitely.
This approach allows for a wide range of evidence to be examined and allows judges or juries to visit crime scenes to better understand the context and details of the cases.
Augmented, virtual and augmented reality devices have been described as significant tools that improve investigations and law enforcement. The tools use spatial awareness and perception to enable immersive 3D workspaces:
“With its 3D user interface, these tools tap into our natural spatial logic and memory, providing researchers with a unique approach to solving complex cognitive challenges.”
Augmented reality tools have become an important tool in cryptocurrency-related investigations through services such as Chainalysys, which provide investigators with a virtual environment to connect and visualize transactions and token activity.
Metacrimes
The report also attempts to describe what crimes and harmful acts in the metaverse are, in order to effectively police and secure these platforms.
Interpol's white paper highlights existing issues including NFT fraud, cyber physical abuse, theft of digital identities, theft of 3D assets and digital assets, and child grooming, stalking and sexual harassment.
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Financial crimes in the Metaverse were also a concern. Interpol notes that “metacrime” could become a concern as more people move into virtual environments every day.
Metaverse forensics and investigations
Because Metaverse environments attract a large number of users, Interpol believes these platforms will be an important source of information and evidence for investigators. This requires law enforcement and legal systems to familiarize themselves with the area.
The report notes that investigators will need to learn how to access information from virtual reality headsets and haptic devices, retrieve evidence from Metaverse infrastructure, and access data from third-party service providers.
The scope of the requirements requires training for first responders, forensic specialists and the broader criminal justice system.
Interpol concluded that an effective law enforcement response to metacrime requires a comprehensive approach involving multi-stakeholder engagement and cross-border cooperation.
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