Exploring gender equality in the metaverse

Gender-based discrimination in the Metaverse often takes the form as harassment or unwanted sexual behavior directed at avatars. Such harm is frequently underestimated because people assume a clear divide between users and their digital selves, overlooking how strongly individuals identify with their avatars. Mediated embodiment theory shows, nonetheless, that users experience their avatars as extensions of themselves, making virtual discrimination a real-world concern affecting dignity, mental health, and well-being. As digital spaces replicate and sometimes amplify existing gender inequalities, this study examines the extent to which gender equality is safeguarded in the Metaverse. It focuses on both legal and platform-based safeguards, assessing how the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA) can address gender-based risks in virtual environments. The analysis clarifies how the DSA’s obligations for hosting services and online platforms may apply to Metaverse providers, while acknowledging that most do not yet meet the threshold for designation as Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs). The DSA provides a valuable starting point for promoting accountability and transparency but leaves important gaps in enforcement and coverage. At the platform level, policies, moderation tools, and safety features vary widely, underscoring the need for context-specific governance measures and legal recognition of avatar-mediated harm. Strengthening these safeguards is essential to ensure that the Metaverse evolves into a safer and more inclusive space, free from gender-based discrimination.