Now a minimum distance is also mandatory in Meta

Meta's virtual reality network Horizon is still young, but numerous users are already complaining about sexual harassment on the platform. Having already introduced an anti-harassment function, the US company is now going one step further and introducing a protection zone.

Meta has set itself the goal of creating a virtual universe in which the boundaries between the physical and digital worlds become blurred. Horizon is a further step in this direction: since December, users from the USA and Canada have been able to meet virtually in the form of avatars, play games and build their own virtual world. What is a problem in the real world can also occur in the digital world.

Blogger sexually harassed by a group

Horizon already has an anti-harassment function that makes an avatar's hands disappear if they try to touch another virtual character inappropriately. However, this is apparently not enough. Recently, reports of harassment on the network have increased. "Within 60 seconds of joining, I was verbally and sexually harassed," wrote one female user in a blog. Three to four male users virtually raped her avatar in the group. "A horrible experience."

She then heard comments such as "admit you like it" and "go have a wank". Frightened, she didn't have time to activate the safety measures included in the game and simply put the headset down again. Now the blogger wants to campaign for a more child-friendly virtual environment.

The personal protection zone

Until now, users could only be muted or blocked. However, these functions are somewhat hidden in the menu.

Facebook parent company Meta has now introduced a minimum distance rule on its virtual reality network Horizon following a number of complaints about harassment. When the corresponding function is activated, avatars can no longer approach each other without restriction, as Horizon announced. "If someone tries to invade your personal boundary, the system will stop their forward movement as soon as they reach the boundary," explained Horizon Vice President Vivek Sharma.