Policy

Utah bill would criminalize virtual reality sex with a minor

Immersive technologies have become more available and affordable.
FILE – The Utah State Capitol is shown on March 3, 2023, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)

A Utah lawmaker wants to make it illegal for adults to engage in simulated sex with a minor using virtual reality technology.

The potential first-in-nation law from first-year Rep. Verona Mauga (D) was inspired by a case she learned about from Salt Lake County prosecutors. No charges were filed against an adult who sought to engage in virtual reality sex with an 11-year-old girl, because existing state law does not cover virtual sex involving adults preying on minors.

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