Police Scotland has launched a probe into an alleged incident of child exploitation on an app named Zepeto.
The force confirmed that the incident involved a child from the Wishaw area in recent days.
In a statement, officers also warned parents of the dangers to children involved in social media apps such as this one.
Police Constable Michael Steenson of Preventions and Interventions said: “We are currently carrying out enquiries into an incident of online exploitation using an app known Zepeto which involved a child from the Wishaw area recently.
“ Social media is now an important part of many people's lives but we need to keep children safe when online.
“Prevention is key and I would like to remind parents to be in control of what apps and content your child is viewing. We remain committed to tackling child online exploitation and anyone with any concerns should contact Police Scotland on 101.”
But what exactly is Zepeto? Here we find out.
What is Zepeto?
Around a quarter of a billion users are said to be registered to the Korean social media and gaming app, which makes it Asia’s largest metaverse platform (which means an alternative universe online).
Zepeto users can chat to others by sharing feed photos and send direct messages to people across the globe.
They can also complete ‘exciting’ missions and take part in a range of different activities across the board.
A description of the app reads: “In a space without limits, another me in another universe.
“Create who you want to be, and meet friends across the world. Go on exciting adventures and bring your ideas to life.
“From sharing feed posts to sending direct messages - capture memories with friends all over the world.”
People who use the app can purchase a range of digital items using the in-game currency known as ‘zems’.
Zepeto users gain zems by paying real cash, with 660 zems going for $44.99 (which is around £33.15 in the UK).
Items up for sale include clothing, with the likes of Ralph Lauren and Gucci cashing in on selling digital items on the platform in recent months.
When announcing the collaboration with Zepeto, Ralph Lauren chief digital officer Alice Delahunt said: “Ralph Lauren’s new partnership with Zepeto further demonstrates our belief that innovating in virtual worlds is essential to engaging the next generation of consumers.
“Ralph Lauren has always embraced new environments, and we’re excited to push the boundaries in this emerging arena.
“Making our product available to purchase and wear digitally and allowing consumers to experience the brand in immersive new ways is the next frontier.”
Safeguards for children
Creators Naver Z Corporation have listed a number of measures available to parents to protect their kids on the app.
They have urged parents to review the application pay limit settings on their Google or Apple devices if they have concerns about their children spending vast sums of money on digital items.
Parents should also review the contents of their child’s profile and they are also recommended to review the settings on who can message them - for younger children, it is encouraged that they should set their message settings to ‘none’ to prevent them from receiving unnecessary messages.
Their advice continues: “In order to use Zepeto safely and effectively, it is recommended that parents or guardians actively participate in understanding the status of their children’s service use.
“Please talk with your children and guide them on how to use the service correctly and how to deal with problems, such as community activity manners, personal information protection and payment for paid items.”
