The NSPCC has published research that shows children are at risk of experiencing sexual abuse and exploitation when using immersive technology like Virtual Reality (VR) headsets.

The charity said that abusers are using games that simulate sexually abusing a child on the dark web and through private networks so they can simulate abusing children online in the way they would in the real world.

The organisation warned that VR technologies can cause people to experience “phantom touch” where the brain fills in the gaps in sensory input, causing the body to experience sensations similar to physical touch. It said that this means children who experience VR sexual abuse could experience the physical sensation of being touched without their consent.

NSPCC added that multi-user VR spaces "invite the creation of communities for sharing child sexual abuse material" by allowing abusers to meet other people with similar interests and create networks.

The non-profit is presenting its research findings to politicians, government officials, and charity partners at parliament on Tuesday.

“These shocking findings should be a wake-up call to us all about the harm young people are facing when engaging with immersive technology,” said Richard Collard, head of child safety online policy, NSPCC. “Technology will continue to progress, and so must we to ensure that we can understand the existing and emerging risks that young people face in these virtual spaces.”

Collard continued: “As the Online Safety Bill completes its passage through Parliament, it is vital that new and emerging technology forms a crucial part of the online safety regime. This will only be made possible through clear collaboration between educators, parents, policymakers, and the technology industry.”

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