Zepeto and INHOPE Unite to Protect Children in the Metaverse: A Step Towards Safer Virtual Worlds

The metaverse, a burgeoning digital frontier, is rapidly becoming a space where people connect, play, and explore. But with this exciting evolution comes the crucial responsibility of ensuring safety, especially for our youngest users. Zepeto, the popular metaverse platform run by South Korean internet giant Naver Z Corp., is taking a significant step in this direction. They’ve announced a vital collaboration with INHOPE, a global network dedicated to combating online child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Let’s dive into what this partnership means and why it’s so important for the future of virtual interactions, particularly in Asia where Zepeto has a massive following.

Why is Metaverse Safety for Children a Growing Concern?

As we spend more time in virtual environments, the lines between the digital and physical worlds blur. While the metaverse offers incredible opportunities for connection and creativity, it also unfortunately presents new avenues for harmful behaviors. Reports of incidents in South Korea, for example, have highlighted the real risks:

• Last year saw a rise in concerning incidents originating within metaverse platforms.
• Just recently, a South Korean man received a four-year prison sentence for creating sexually exploitative content targeting children within a virtual world.
• This growing concern even prompted South Korean politician Shin Hyun-young to propose criminalizing sexual offenses specifically within metaverse environments.

These instances underscore a critical need: proactive and robust safety measures are essential to protect children in the metaverse.

Zepeto and INHOPE: A Powerful Alliance for Digital Child Safety

Recognizing this urgent need, Naver Z Corp., the force behind the Zepeto metaverse, is joining forces with INHOPE. This collaboration is a proactive move to strengthen child safety within Zepeto’s virtual world, which boasts over 20 million monthly active users, particularly popular among young people in Asia.

What is INHOPE and Why is Their Involvement Significant?

INHOPE stands for the Internet Watch Foundation Hotline Providers in Europe. It’s a globally recognized network playing a crucial role in the fight against online child sexual abuse. Here’s why their partnership with Zepeto is a big deal:

• Global Network: INHOPE is a network of 50 hotlines spanning 46 countries, demonstrating its worldwide reach and impact.
• Expertise in CSAM: They specialize in combating the spread of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) online, bringing years of experience and focused knowledge to the table.
• Industry Backing: Major tech players like Google, Meta, and TikTok, along with organizations like Interpol, are official sponsors, highlighting INHOPE’s credibility and influence.

By partnering with INHOPE, Zepeto gains access to a wealth of expertise and a proven framework for tackling online child safety issues.

What Will This Collaboration Actually Do?

The collaboration between Zepeto and INHOPE is focused on tangible actions to enhance safety within the metaverse platform. Key initiatives include:

• Enhanced Monitoring Technologies: Working together to improve the tools and systems used to detect and identify potentially harmful content.
• Creation of a Reporting Hotline: Establishing a dedicated hotline to make it easier for users to report sexually explicit or exploitative content directly. This streamlined reporting mechanism is crucial for rapid response and content removal.
• Knowledge Sharing and Best Practices: Leveraging INHOPE’s global experience to implement and refine best practices for online child safety within the metaverse environment.

These steps are designed to create a more secure and responsible environment for Zepeto’s young user base.

Zepeto’s Ongoing Commitment to Safety

This partnership with INHOPE isn’t Zepeto’s first foray into online safety. Naver Z has already demonstrated a commitment to protecting its users through collaborations with other leading organizations, including:

• Tech Coalition: Working with this group of technology companies to combat online child exploitation and abuse.
• ConnectSafely: Partnering to create safety recommendations for parents and legal guardians of young Zepeto users.
• TSPA (Trust and Safety Professional Association): Engaging with this professional association to further strengthen trust and safety practices within the platform.

These existing collaborations, now amplified by the INHOPE partnership, signal a comprehensive and proactive approach to safety within the Zepeto metaverse.

The Bigger Picture: Metaverse Safety in Asia and Beyond

Zepeto’s initiative is particularly significant in Asia, given the platform’s strong popularity in the region. With millions of young users, setting a strong precedent for metaverse safety in Asia is crucial. This collaboration can serve as a model for other virtual platforms and companies operating in the metaverse space, both in Asia and globally.

Key Takeaways:

• Proactive Measures are Essential: The metaverse needs robust safety measures, especially for children, and Zepeto is taking a leading role.
• Collaboration is Key: Partnerships like the one between Zepeto and INHOPE are vital for pooling expertise and resources to tackle complex online safety challenges.
• Industry-Wide Responsibility: Ensuring a safe metaverse is not just the responsibility of one platform but requires a collective effort from the entire industry, governments, and users themselves.

Looking Ahead: A Safer Metaverse for Everyone

Zepeto’s collaboration with INHOPE is a commendable step towards creating a safer and more responsible metaverse. By prioritizing child safety, they are not only protecting young users but also contributing to the long-term health and sustainability of the metaverse as a positive and empowering space for everyone. As the metaverse continues to evolve, initiatives like this will be crucial in shaping a digital future where safety and innovation go hand-in-hand.