They might drop the odd clanger, but it's nevertheless good to see politicians trying to engage with virtual worlds and their implications. So yesterday saw a congressional hearing in the US addressed by Linden Lab and IBM.
There was some tiresome banter between the assembled politicos, laughing about one another’s avatars. However, I love the fact that the hearing was simulcast (if that’s the word) in Second Life, with a monitor at the hearing displaying the caustic commentary of assembled SL avatars throughout.
However, predictably one of the burning questions from the politicians was about whether virtual worlds could harbour terrorists and paedophiles, although Linden Lab boss Philip Rosedale defended his corner, saying that his company takes “child protection very seriously”, and that “vigorous self-policing by the residents” is a key element in keeping the world safe.
He also pointed out that while Linden Lab has worked with law enforcement authorities in the realm of terrorism, Second Life has seen no evidence of activity by terrorists in the world. Would it be cynical to wonder if they’re all stuck on the Orientation island trying to figure out the controls?
(via Mercury News)
0 comments