This is a past event
Admission FREE, no booking required.
Speaker: Dr John Danaher
Abstract:
Although promised for decades, virtual reality (VR) technology now seems poised for the mainstream. For many, the technology holds promise: new exciting and immersive video game experiences; new forms of social interaction; new worlds to explore. But there is darker side. In October 2016, the journalist Jordan Belmaire reported a disturbing experience she had while playing the archery/zombie apocalypse game QuiVer: "In between a wave of zombies and demons to shoot down, I was hanging out next to BigBro442, waiting for our next attack. Suddenly, BigBro442's disembodied helmet faced me dead-on. His floating hand approached my body, and he started to virtually rub my chest...There I was being virtually groped" (Tech.MIC 21 October 2016). What's more, this isn't the first such incident to be reported. As VR technology becomes more pervasive, as does the related 'augmented reality' technology, we can expect the incidence of 'virtual' sexual assault to grow. This paper examines the extent to which existing legal definitions of rape and sexual assault can cover such incidents and whether new bespoke criminal offences should be created.
- Hosted by
- School of Law
- Venue
- New King's NK1
- Contact
-
Suzi Warren
Research, Commercial and Events Secretary
Tel: +44 (0) 1224 273421
Email: smjwarren@abdn.ac.uk