Abstract
In this paper, we assess the impact of extended reality technologies as they relate to sexual
forms of harassment. We begin with a brief history of the nature of sexual harassment itself. We
then offer an account of extended reality technologies focusing specifically on psychological and
hardware elements most likely to comprise what has been referred to as “the metaverse”. Although
different forms of virtual spaces exist (i.e., private, semi-private, and public), we focus on public
social metaverse spaces. We do this to better explain how the concept of sexual harassment must
be adjusted to such spaces and how approaches aimed at mitigating harassment must be sensitive
to the type of metaverse spaces users utilize. We then offer a typology of sexual harassment for the
metaverse focusing on three distinct forms of sexual harassment: (1) invariant (2) mixed variance or
modified and (3) unique or metaverse specific. Although existing normative and legal frameworks
may function well with respect to the first and, possibly, second forms of harassment, we argue
such frameworks will not helpfully address metaverse-specific harassment. Ultimately, the changing
nature of privately owned public spaces (POPS) which metaverses are likely to represent pose distinct
ethical and regulatory challenges.