In order to safeguard children against sex abuse and exploitation on the virtual platform, Naver Z Corp., the metaverse division of South Korean internet behemoth Naver that runs the Zepeto metaverse, announced its collaboration with INHOPE.
According to a news release from Naver Z, the cooperation will advance monitoring technologies and create a reporting hotline in an effort to get rid of sexually explicit or exploitative content on the Zepeto metaverse.
According to its official website, INHOPE is a global network of hotlines battling the spread of online child sexual abuse material (CSAM). INHOPE is comprised of 50 hotlines from 46 different countries. Official sponsors include Google, Meta, TikTok, Interpol, and more.
To stop sexual crimes against minors, Naver Z has already collaborated with international online safety organizations like Tech Coalition, ConnectSafely, and TSPA (Trust and Safety Professional Association). Naver Z created safety recommendations for parents and legal representatives of minors using Zepeto through ConnectSafely.
There have been numerous allegations of sexual abuse incidents in South Korea since last year that had their origins in the metaverse. A Korean man in his 30s was found guilty of creating content that sexually exploited youngsters and was given a four-year prison term last month, it was discovered.
A proposal to criminalize sexual offenses in the metaverse was led by Shin Hyun-young, a politician for the opposition Democratic Party, in June.
With over 20 million monthly active users (MAU), Naver Z’s Zepeto metaverse is notably well-liked among young people throughout Asia.
