Toward a Comprehensive Cyber Law Framework: Assessing Avatar Legal Liability

Abstract

Enforcing the right to security on the internet remains a never-ending task. The problem becomes more complex when the metaverse creates a new dimension for internet users to interact, including the use of avatars. However, this novelty has taken its toll, with a series of events experienced and committed by avatars in the metaverse. The current law has not been able to provide legal certainty, whether avatars can be held responsible for their actions, and how law enforcement is against avatar users. This paper seeks to shorten that distance, by suggesting that the concept of virtual identity or digital passport should be mandatory, in order to identify the real person behind the avatar. Furthermore, it recognises the avatar as a legal subject, using the concept of corporate law, so that the user behind the avatar can be held legally responsible for their actions in the metaverse.