Quantum Computing Generative AI & LLMs Drones 6G Networks Satellite Comms Group Messaging Platforms Crypto- currency IoT Devices Metaverse 5G Networks Social Media Incitement 18 In the future, a fully realized metaverse, as it is currently envisioned, will provide greater potential for anonymity. The use of avatars and cryptocurrencies will create challenges for law enforcement in tracking crime carried out in the virtual world. The use of virtual assets, goods and money will likely create new opportunities for theft and money laundering. The importance of digital identities in the metaverse and the potential for manipulation will likely lead to an increase in ransomware attacks. As physical location becomes almost devoid of significance, the ability to conduct crimes across borders - whether financial scams, bullying, harassment or others - will increase. It will be difficult, at least under today’s judicial systems, to determine which country has jurisdiction and which legal framework applies to crimes carried out in virtual reality. Time till mainstream adoption: LONG TERM After the massive hype around the metaverse peaked in 2022, expectations have become more tempered. Sales of VR and AR headsets have fallen short of overly optimistic estimates, and metaverse platforms are seeing very modest growth in the number of users. Research firms Gartner and Forrester expect it will be at least 2030 before a full-blown version of the metaverse reaches mainstream adoption. However, criminals are already finding ways to exploit the beginnings of the metaverse for their illicit aims. Web intelligence- To map suspects’ digital footprint across all layers of the web and connect them to virtual identities in the metaverse, authorities will require robust web intelligence solutions. Blockchain analytics- As it is expected that cryptocurrencies will underpin financial activity in the metaverse, authorities will require blockchain analytics solutions to de-anonymize the identities of suspects behind illicit transactions. Technology capabilities needed: Metaverse LEARN MORE ABOUT BLOCKCHAIN ANALYTICS Responsible AI Human-Machine Collaboration Video Analytics 18