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The Hong Kong police force has launched a new platform to promote crime prevention in the metaverse.
The cybersecurity arm of the Hong Kong Police Force launched a platform to promote crime prevention in the metaverse. Dubbed “CyberDefender,” the platform aims to educate the public about the potential dangers emanating from the Web3 and metaverse space.
In a May 27 statement, the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau (CSTCB) of the Hong Kong Police Force warned that “all crimes in the cyberspace could also happen in the metaverse.”
It added the platform is designed to prepare users for the “challenges ahead in the digital age.”
Chief Inspector Ip Cheuk-yu of the CSTCB spoke at the event where CyberDefender was launched and where he discussed the dangers of the digital space.
He said:
The decentralized nature of virtual assets in Web3 may also increase the likelihood of cyber criminals targeting end point devices, virtual asset wallets and smart contracts.
The Chief Inspector specifically referenced fraud, hacking, theft, and sexual offences, which can all occur in the metaverse, BeInCrypto reports.
Virtual Asset-Related Crimes Cost Victims $1.7 Billion in 2022
In the press statement, the Hong Kong police outlined what virtual asset-related crimes cost victims in 2022. 2336 virtual asset-related crimes were reported costing victims a total of $1.7 billion.
Virtual asset-related crimes are also increasing significantly, with 663 such crimes reported in Q1 2023. Losses amounted to $570, representing a 75% increase compared to Q1 2022.
The police force said its educational initiative would specifically raise awareness among “the younger generation.”
Police will continue to organize public educational initiatives on different themes through the ‘CyberDefender Metaverse’ platform, raise the awareness among teenagers regarding the latest advancements in information technology, potential pitfalls and the importance of preventing technology crimes.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.