“EXTRA-TERRITORIAL APPLICATION OF CYBER LAWS: IS THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACT, 2000 ADEQUATE FOR METAVERSE CRIMES”

AUTHORS – PRAKHAR MISHRA* & DR KAVYA CHANDEL**

* STUDENT AT AMITY LAW SCHOOL LUCKNOW, AMITY UNIVERSITY UTTAR PRADESH LUCKNOW CAMPUS

** ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF LAW AT AMITY LAW SCHOOL LUCKNOW, AMITY UNIVERSITY UTTAR PRADESH LUCKNOW CAMPUS

BEST CITATION – PRAKHAR MISHRA & DR KAVYA CHANDEL “EXTRA-TERRITORIAL APPLICATION OF CYBER LAWS: IS THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACT, 2000 ADEQUATE FOR METAVERSE CRIMES”, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (4) OF 2026, PG. 281-298, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

Abstract

The rapid emergence of the Metaverse as an immersive digital ecosystem has transformed the nature of online interaction, commerce, and identity. Powered by blockchain technology, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), cryptocurrencies, and augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), virtual environments are evolving into complex socio-economic spaces where real-world legal consequences increasingly arise. However, the borderless architecture of these platforms presents unprecedented jurisdictional challenges for regulating cybercrime.

This dissertation examines the evolving problem of jurisdiction in Metaverse-related cybercrimes, with particular focus on the adequacy of existing legal frameworks to address offences committed in virtual realities. It explores the conceptual foundations of jurisdiction under international law, including territorial, nationality, protective, universality, and effects-based principles, and analyses their applicability to borderless digital platforms. The study further investigates the transformation of traditional cybercrimes into immersive offences such as avatar-based sexual harassment, NFT and cryptocurrency fraud, virtual property theft, identity cloning, and money laundering through digital assets.

Special emphasis is placed on the Indian legal framework, particularly the Information Technology Act, 2000 and relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code, including the extra-territorial scope under Section 75. A comparative analysis of the regulatory approaches in the United States and the European Union highlights emerging models of digital governance and cross-border enforcement. The research identifies significant gaps in jurisdictional clarity, evidentiary standards, enforcement mechanisms, and recognition of virtual assets as legally protected property.

The study concludes that while existing cyber laws provide a foundational framework, they remain structurally insufficient to address the immersive, decentralized, and transnational nature of Metaverse crimes. It argues for a harmonised international regulatory model, clearer jurisdictional standards, strengthened platform accountability, and enhanced cross-border cooperation. Ultimately, the dissertation advocates for a forward-looking approach to cyber governance that reconciles digital innovation with effective legal accountability in virtual environments.

Keywords: Metaverse, Cybercrime, Jurisdiction, Extra-territoriality, Virtual Assets, Blockchain Governance, Digital Sovereignty, Cross-border Enforcement