NEWS＆EVENTS

(Event overview)
　　Cybernetic avatars, or CAs, include avatars that allow people to project themselves into the metaverse, as well as physical avatars, such as robots. This new technological platform is garnering attention for its potential to expand the physical and cognitive abilities of humans, enabling them to freely move between physical and cyber space. On the other hand, such technology may be diverted to military use, or employed in covert intelligence and espionage activities, thereby posing security risks.
　This lecture examined the relationship between CAs and security, taking into account existing legal systems such as international humanitarian law, export controls, economic sanctions, and infrastructure protection legislation. The security risks present in this age of CAs and the relevant countermeasures were also discussed, with illustrations drawn from real-life examples such as the use of drones in recent regional armed conflicts.

Speaker: Kunio Miyaoka (Partner, Mori Hamada & Matsumoto LPC)
Date and time: November 18, 2025 (Tue.), 16:15–18:00 (doors open at 16:00)
Venue: 1st floor, North Building, Mita Campus, Keio University
Language: Japanese
Organizer: Keio University Cyber-Physical Sustainability (CPS) Center　
Moderator: Yuko Kimijima (Professor at Keio University Faculty of Law, director of CPS Center)

<Background>
　Research of cybernetic avatar (CA) technology—and its practical application—is advancing. CAs are avatars that allow people to project themselves into cyberspace, and increasingly, even into the physical world—in this case, a robot serves as the avatar. Under the current legal system, which is built on the assumption that living people and legal entities are the main subjects in various activities, what possibilities and problems will arise if people start using CAs to carry out their activities instead?

<Lecture overview>
　Kunio Miyaoka, an expert in security and IT law, spoke on issues related to the practical implementation of CAs as related to legality and security concerns in the areas of international humanitarian law, export controls, economic sanctions, infrastructure protection legislation, and investment management.
　If CAs end up in the hands of countries or entities of particular concern, there is an increased risk of military attacks, cyber-attacks, covert intelligence and espionage activities, and so on, beyond geographical limits such as national borders. While some of these risks can be addressed by existing legislation (international humanitarian law, export controls, economic sanctions, infrastructure protection legislation, investment management, etc.), the current legal system is not comprehensive. In addition, as people’s sphere of activity expands into remote locations and the metaverse space through CAs, awareness campaigns and preventive measures (systemic advance preparation, etc.) are required to ensure that people do not inadvertently violate existing laws and regulations.

(At the event venue)
　During the Q&A, participants posed questions regarding the future outlook of economic security, the risk of misuse of 3D modeling, and regulations to curb such potential abuse. Professor Rikako Watai from the Keio University Law School, who is well-versed in security issues, also delivered remarks, providing an opportunity to consider CAs and security matters from multiple perspectives.

Participation: Total of 13 participants (2 speakers / 9 general attendees / 2 staff members)

Schedule:
　　　　　　16:15–16:30 Opening remarks by Professor Yuko Kimijima
　　　　　　 16:30–17:40 Lecture “Cybernetic Avatars (CAs) and Security: How Humans Can Coexist with Avatars”
　　　　　　　　　　　　　
　　　　　　　　　　　　　1. CAs and Security Risks
　　　　　　　　　　　　　2. CA-Related Legal Issues on Security
　　　　　　　　　　　　　3. Issues Facing Practical Implementation of CAs
　　　　　　 17:40–17:55 Q&A
　　　　　　 17:55–18:00 Closing remarks by Professor Yuko Kimijima