VRChat
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VRChat is an online virtual reality (VR) universe consisting of thousands of connected worlds in which users can interact with others using virtual avatars and worlds they can create.
VRChat is designed primarily for use with Android and Microsoft virtual reality headsets, as well as in "desktop mode" using a mouse, keyboard or a gamepad.
Launched in 2014, the service was expanded to include the VRChat Plus subscription service in November 2020. On launch, it allows users to display a custom avatar image on their nameplates, increases the number of avatars they can save in their favorites from 50 to 300, grants them an "increased trust rating", and allows them to attach an in-game photo to an invite request.
Virtual reality
Virtual reality (VR) is a simulated experience that employs 3D near-eye displays and pose tracking to give the user an immersive feel of a virtual world.
Source: Wikipedia 🔗
System 🤖
System 🤖
Website: VRChat 🔗
Released:
Developer: VRChat
Country: UK; USA; Global
Sector: Media/entertainment/sports/arts
Purpose: Manage system safety
Type: Safety management system
Technique: Virtual reality
Transparency and accountability 🙈
Transparency and accountability 🙈
VRChat has been accused of being opaque and unaccountable due to:
Lack of enforceable age verification mechanisms, allowing minors to easily access adult content and interact with adults.
Insufficient moderation of inappropriate content, especially in public spaces where children may be exposed to sexual or violent material.
Inadequate response to reports of abusive behaviour, with researchers noting that Facebook/Meta was unresponsive to submitted reports of policy violations.
Limited ability to control or restrict inappropriate avatar behaviours, as the platform struggles to enforce content guidelines consistently.
Absence of clear, proactive measures to protect children from potential grooming or exploitation.
Difficulty in implementing effective content filtering due to the platform's reliance on user-generated content and real-time interactions.
Challenges in maintaining transparency about the platform's safety measures and their effectiveness, particularly regarding child protection.
Limited accountability for users engaging in harmful behaviours, as the platform's anonymity can make it difficult to identify and address repeat offenders.
Risks and harms 🛑
Risks and harms 🛑
VRChat has been accused of poor content moderation and unreliable age verification, leading to a spate of incidents and issues involving addition, sexual abuse, trolling and offensive language, racism, privacy and copyright violations, identity theft and impersonation, and other inappropriate and unethical activities.
Incidents and issues 🔥
Incidents and issues 🔥
January 2024. Illegal pirate streaming worlds discovered on VRChat
February 2022. VRChat allows kids into virtual strip clubs
December 2021. VRChat users’ avatars make sexual and violent threats against minors
Research, advocacy 🧮
Research, advocacy 🧮
Ortiz L. (2022). Risks of the Metaverse: A VRChat Study Case
Center for Countering Digital Hate (2021). Facebook's Metaverse
Hobson A (2020). Phantoms, Crashers, and Harassers
Investigations, assessments, audits 👁️
Investigations, assessments, audits 👁️
Page info
Type: System
Published: February 2022
Last updated: July 2024
Page updated
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