Virtual Worlds Forum

The biggest test for any new technology is how it copes with becoming the focus of a high-profile media scandal. This week, Linden Lab is in the spotlight, after UK-based Sky News went public on its investigation into the Wonderland area of Second Life. You can judge the tone from the website's headline - 'Perverts use virtual world for fantasies' - and a story that goes into detail about what reporter Jason Farrell found there:

"At first site it looks like a real-life playground. Here child-like avatars are not just playing on swings - they're offering sex. These are virtual children of all ages - even toddlers. After talking to one child I was offered a range of sordid and sick sexual acts. My avatar had entered a virtual paedophile ring. Obviously, I declined the offers and reported my disturbing findings."

Second Life Insider reports that other UK media are already picking up on the story, so it appears to have legs. The site also has a formal reaction from Linden Lab:

"At present, we have no firm evidence of wrongdoing from our own investigations into Wonderland nor from our Abuse Report channel. There's nothing objectionable nor illegal in having a child-like avatar in itself and we must assume innocence until proof of the contrary. That said, Linden Lab is morally opposed to and has zero tolerance for child pornography, simulated or otherwise, within Second Life."

There are two issues at play here. The first is what's happening in Wonderland, whether real children are involved, and what the legal status is even if they aren't. It's a serious issue that can't be written off simply because journalists outside the SL community are asking the questions. But the second is the perception of what's happening, and how Second Life will be portrayed in the mainstream media in the coming days. Being portrayed as a place where paedophiles roam could be incredibly harmful to Second Life's prospects of breaking into the mainstream - at least in the UK. Of course, what hurts Linden Lab will likely benefit some of its rivals - particularly those focused entirely on children, who can promote their security and privacy policies as a safer environment for kids.