Prof. Noveck writes:

Somehow I can’t shake that image of Anshe Chung, Second Life real estate mogul, being assaulted by several flying penises out of my mind. Mainly, I think, because it offends me so–as a woman and as a proponent of sexual health and rights. Secondarily though, I’ve been trying to grapple with the situation in terms of the First Amendment: free speech, expression, and the right to assemble.

…Whatever rules virtual communities are someday (in the near future) held accountable to, will most likely (and should) mirror those that govern speech and expression in every day life. Unacceptable behavior, that which is obscene, and/or implies or stimulates actions that would be dangerous, harmful, illegal, or violate the privacy of a person’s physical being in real space, should be held to the same standard in virtual communities as it is in our neighborhoods, towns, and work places. (more…)

second life virtual worlds