Microsoft Shuts Down Its Metaverse Because Sexual Harassment Cases Are Still A Nightmare

Microsoft, made a new policy on its virtual world, AltspaceVR. (photo: doc. microsoft)

JAKARTA - The case of sexual harassment experienced by metaverse users is still etched in the minds of everyone, including Microsoft. The company is now making a new policy on its virtual world, AltspaceVR.

AltspaceVR, the social cyber platform that was acquired by Microsoft in 2017, is making changes to protect visitors. Some of those changes include shutting down public spaces that the platform has been using as a common area for years.

Microsoft's move is said to be to curb harassment concerns in VR. This is quite worrying, as more and more companies open up a larger social space in pursuit of the metaverse.

"As platforms like AltspaceVR evolve, it's important for us to look at existing experiences and evaluate whether they adequately serve the needs of current and future customers," said Alex Kipman, Microsoft Mixed Reality Efforts Lead.

"This includes helping people better connect with those who share their interests while also ensuring the spaces they access are safe from inappropriate behavior and harassment."

According to CNET, Thursday, February 17, with the closure of the public space, AltspaceVR removed all social space hubs it hosts, including the Campfire, News, and Entertainment Commons rooms.

So currently, users can only focus on an event that is being held. Other public spaces can exist, but must be created by others.

To use AltspaceVR, users need a Microsoft account to login. Users can also link to Microsoft's Family Safety settings to approve or limit children over the age of 13 who may use the app.

Meanwhile, Meta still hasn't applied family safety settings to its VR account, even though many kids are already using Quest 2 headsets.