Age and Identity Verification in Second Life
Friday, May 4th, 2007 at 4:25 PM by: daniellindenWe will shortly begin beta testing an age and identity verification system, which will allow Residents to provide a one-time proof of identity (such as a driver’s license, passport or ID card) and have that identity verified in a matter of moments.
Second Life has always been restricted to those over 18. All Residents personally assert their age on registration. When we receive reports of underage Residents in Second Life, we close their account until they provide us with proof of age. This system works well, but as the community grows and the attractions of Second Life become more widely known, we’ve decided to add an additional layer of protection.
Once the age verification system is in place, only those Residents with verified age will be able to access adult content in Mature areas. Any Resident wishing to access adult content will have to prove they are over 18 in real life.We have created Teen Second Life for minors under the age of 18. Access to TSL by adults is prohibited, with minors not allowed into the rest of Second Life.
For their part, land owners will be required to flag their land as ‘adult’ if it contains adult content using the estate and land management tools provided to landowners. This flag will protect landowners from displaying inappropriate content to underage users who may have entered Second Life. Landowners are morally and legally responsible for the content displayed and the behavior taking place on their land. The identity verification system gives them new tools to ensure any adult content is only available to adults over 18 because unverified avatars will not have access to land flagged as containing adult content.
We hope you’ll agree that the small inconvenience of doing this once is far outweighed by the benefits of protecting minors from inappropriate content. Further, this system will assist landowners in engaging in lawful businesses.
The verification system will be run by a third party specializing in age and identity authentication. No personally identifying information will be stored by them or by Linden Lab, including date of birth, unless the Resident chooses to do so. Those who wish to be verified, but remain anonymous, are free to do so.
Premium Second Life Residents will have access to the identity verification system for a nominal Linden Dollar fee as part of their subscription. Free-account owners (Basic membership) can pay a larger Linden Dollar fee for the service, can upgrade to Premium to access the system, or simply decline to verify their age and continue enjoying Second Life without access to adult content.
The identity verification system will not impact Second Life Grid performance , and since it was developed and is operated by a third party, does not impact the development work we’re doing to address performance or stability issues.
The system will enter beta testing shortly and be rolled out Grid wide in mid-May.
Age Verification Q&A
- What is identity verification?
Identity verification is a system that makes efforts to establish proof of age for each Resident on Second Life. Second Life (the “World’) is only available to adults over the age of 18. - Why do we need it?
While each Resident asserts his or her age upon registration, we want to insure that minors do not inadvertently access Second Life or have access to adult content in- world. In addition, age verification provides an additional layer of trust for in-world businesses and Residents. - How will it work?
Residents will provide a few simple details about their identity – generally, name, date of birth, and address. US Residents will be asked to provide the last four digits of their Social Security Number, while non-US Residents may need to provide a passport or national ID number. - Do I have to submit to age verification?
No. You need only provide age verification if you choose to enter areas in Second Life that have been flagged as having adult content. Going forward, estate and parcel owners will be required to flag the presence of adult content on their land. Access to that area will then be restricted to age-verified Residents only. Flagging adult areas provides notice to adults that content contained in the area may be objectionable to them. Age-verification provides an added layer of protection against minors who have gained unauthorized access to the world.In addition, anyone wishing to gain access on the Teen Second Life will be required to submit to age verification. - Why are you doing this now?
The growing popularity of Second Life gives rise to the need to add measures of security so that Second Life remains a safe environment for all Residents. - What documents do I need to prove my age?
Exact documents may vary depending on your country of residence but may include:
Passport
Driver’s license
Name
Address
National ID number, such as a Social Security number - I’m outside the US. Does it work the same in each country?
The exact information required for Identity verification may vary from country to country, but the system works in generally the same way around the world. - What types of activities in Second Life will require age verification?
Access to areas that Residents and businesses have flagged as containing adult content will require age verification. - Who will need to verify their age?
Anyone wishing to access adult content will need to verify their age in advance. Just like going into a bar – you need to prove your age. - What if I’m under 18?
Minors are not allowed in Second Life. Please access Teen Second Life to enjoy Second Life if you are under 18. Only Residents between the ages of 13 and 17 will be allowed to access Teen Second Life. - What if I want to remain anonymous?
Residents over the age of 18 can still remain anonymous if they wish to remain in areas of the World that do not contain adult content. Age-verification will only be required at this time for access to adult content. Anyone wishing to gain access to Teen Second Life must all be age-verified. - What if Adult Content is not Flagged
We require that adult content be flagged. If Residents and businesses attempt to violate this rule, we expect that such behavior will be reported by the community. Although we want to limit age-verification processes to adult content and Teen Second Life, in the event we encounter abuses of self-regulation, Second Life may have to require age-verification throughout the world. We hope that does not happen. - What personal information will you store about me?
Linden Lab will not store any personally identifying information about you as a result of the age verification process. We simply record that your avatar is age-verified. - Do I have to pay for verification?
Premium Residents will access the verification system for a nominal fee (<L$10) as part of their subscription. Basic users will be charged a larger fee to verify their age, can upgrade to Premium to access the system, or simply decline to verify their age and continue enjoying the areas of Second Life that don’t contain adult content. - Do I have to verify each avatar I use?
Each individual will be able to associate their age and personal information to a limited number of accounts. - As a parcel/estate owner, how do I flag content as ‘adult’?
Land-owners will find a check box in their land management tools that they will be able to check if they have adult content on their land. - What is defined as “Adult Content”
We trust that common sense will prevail. As a general rule, “Adult Content” is any content that is explicitly sexual or excessively violent in nature. - What happens if I don’t flag my adult content?
We believe that most landowners will want to take steps to prevent underage Residents being exposed to adult content. All content creators and businesses are morally and legally responsible for their activities. We strongly advise landowners to take advantage of these tools to prevent inappropriate use by those who may have accessed the adult grid using fraudulent information.Land containing adult content which is not clearly marked as such, will be easily identifiable by the community, which can either raise concerns directly with the landowner or with Linden Lab via the Abuse channel.While Linden Lab is working to ensure Second Life is restricted to adults, the burden of responsibility lies with the parcel and estate owner for the content displayed and activities offered on their land. The identity verification system provides the means to protect both visitors and landowners alike. - When will this be rolled out?
Internal testing is underway now, with a limited roll-out expected to follow by mid-May.
May 4th, 2007 at 4:30 PM
hola como estan jajaj mmmmmmmmmmmm que mierda es eso
May 4th, 2007 at 4:31 PM
All I can say is:
“Thank you!”
May 4th, 2007 at 4:32 PM
I Do hope there will be a Grace period so that our business will not be interrupted while we are being verified? This is a disaster waiting to happen if it is not well thought out and exceuted flawlessly.
Duke
May 4th, 2007 at 4:33 PM
FINALLY! It’s annoying how sometimes adults enter the teen grid. HELLO? We don’t enter your grid, stay out of ours :p
May 4th, 2007 at 4:34 PM
Yeah, thanks. I hope you can make it well this time. Seeing children and teenagers in the adult grid is not cool.
May 4th, 2007 at 4:34 PM
The first step is always the hardest; Thanks for looking out for everybody, including Teens
May 4th, 2007 at 4:34 PM
Sounds great! How is it implemented? Does it need code in the viewer? If so, does it work with Linux?
May 4th, 2007 at 4:35 PM
Island owners paying from $200 USD to $10,000 USD a month should not have to pony up a few more Linden for this “service”. This service should be included as part of the estate owner services. Residents paying $5 USD a month get this free of charge. Outrageous.
May 4th, 2007 at 4:35 PM
Thank you SO much - I would love to see this become the standard requirement to CREATE an account, once it has been tried and tested.
Also - does this mean unverified will be unable to access mature parcels at all?
May 4th, 2007 at 4:36 PM
bladyblue -
Island owners have premium memberships, otherwise they cannot hold land. . .
May 4th, 2007 at 4:37 PM
This is an excellent idea. However, I do see the point of Mr. Duke McDonnagh. A side benefit, I trust, will be that we can eliminate from some of our more “specialized” areas (ponyplay, BDSM, etc.) the constant infringement of obviously adolescent griefers.
This may have the benefit of helping the community at large curb the behaviour of our at least age-dependent griefers. The activities of adult-aged but mentally childish residents will be, as it should be, left unchecked.
I do, however, wonder at the security of the information that will be provided. While I’m quite comfortable with leaving my credit card information with Linden Labs.. the idea that this will be passed on to third parties is disturbing.
– Mme Shraud
May 4th, 2007 at 4:37 PM
hahahaha Yeah Smiley…
May 4th, 2007 at 4:38 PM
Way to late for this but glad to see it finally.
May 4th, 2007 at 4:39 PM
Great. Yet another thing that wont work and will course even more problems. I can’t wait :/
Saying that I do see why it’s being done and I’m all for it, but I and possibly others have lost all faith in LL as of late and doubt you’ll get it to work as you had hoped
May 4th, 2007 at 4:39 PM
Interesting thoughts, Shraud, Teen Members should also keep that in mind…
May 4th, 2007 at 4:41 PM
Finally! Yay!
May 4th, 2007 at 4:41 PM
How well is this system going to survive international usage? Will it lead to lots of people being unable to Super-Verify due to the system’s inadequacies in terms of supported forms of ID (rather than their not being of age)?
May 4th, 2007 at 4:43 PM
Well I dont like it but it does matter what anyone say like with all new fetures LL will do it no matter what. Its the bone we get for the last town meeting lol..sad…
May 4th, 2007 at 4:44 PM
I agree that the cost for already premium and landholding members should be removed - we’re already paying a fee to be here - to charge more to allow us to keep the still barely reliable access we have now is ridiculous. I agree that setting age verification is a good idea, after having to remove several underage players from my own RP sim - but for one - I do not wish to have my personal information - my SSN or anything else, in the hands of a 3rd party organization - or even in the hands of SL. I am very cautious about what info I put out there - and considering how easily sites can be hacked, this is a security issue. Some of us have RL clearances and do not want more info out there - and as such - we will now be unable to access adult content? Let’s face it - that’s why many of us put up a credit card for premium membership - to prove our age. Further proof is a burden on the players that we should not have to bear.
May 4th, 2007 at 4:45 PM
way to go!!! thanks very much.
May 4th, 2007 at 4:45 PM
“Landowners are morally and legally responsible for the content displayed and the behavior taking place on their land. ”
Hi… A very bold statement, which I will return to sender. I’m sure this will be an unpopular opinion with some of you, but… If the statement above is true, it also means that Linden Lab is morally and legally responsible for the content displayed and the behavior taking place on their service.
May 4th, 2007 at 4:46 PM
First, you should be aware it is illegal to require an individual to provide his/her social security number as a means of identification to anyone but the Federal Government. Second, if driver’s license and or SSN is provided to you or your agent you may become legally liable for the misuse, loss, or theft of that information for the purposes of fraud or identity theft. Good Luck.
May 4th, 2007 at 4:48 PM
It’s about time they at least make an effort to try and bringback some form of age verification.
Finally!
May 4th, 2007 at 4:48 PM
What is the definition of “inappropriate content”?
By whose morals is it judged?
May 4th, 2007 at 4:53 PM
Personally, I’m not to sure about sending my Information To a Third Party Site…
I Feel that everyone who signs up after the Kick off date should have to go through verification.
I Am a Basic Member and PAID the ten US dollars for my account..
I’m am not so “yay” about sending My Social Security Numbers, Even if it is 4 numbers to ANYONE.
May 4th, 2007 at 4:53 PM
how will verification be done? how will you look at my drivers licence?
a photocopy?
May 4th, 2007 at 4:54 PM
i alrdy see the verification nightmare start all over for european residents
May 4th, 2007 at 4:54 PM
Please make it payable without “payment info on file” for those of us who do NOT have a credit card accepted by either SL or Paypal. That’s a nuisance enough as it is and it would be most unfair.
May 4th, 2007 at 4:54 PM
“The verification system will be run by a third party specializing in age and identity authentication. No personally identifying information will be stored by them”
“How will it work?
Residents will provide a few simple details about their identity – generally, name, date of birth, and address. US Residents will be asked to provide the last four digits of their Social Security”
A third party that LL trusts and isn’t giving us who this third party is, I’m taking issue with. The moment I give them my driver’s license, they will now own my name, address, license number, AND because I live in a state that puts the Social Security number on the driver’s license, they will have that as well. I’m not impressed with this action nor do I trust LL’s belief in this third party that they will not keep this data. Prove it!
May 4th, 2007 at 4:55 PM
Well… I just hope my passport is all i need, its the only ID I have. =\
May 4th, 2007 at 4:55 PM
LL once again choose a system that will not work period. Will most website arround the world considere CREDIT CARD as a proof of age. LL choose a third party to collect extremly sensitive information from users (and agaisn most user will on top of that) and have the guts to CHARGE for that. how can your prove your age anonimously!
All hands brace for impact. SL is going down big time in mid may!
less then 2 weeks to implement a totaly non-standard way to verify a user age? (credit card is the norm NET WIDE). I bet you SL as been receive nasty laywer letter or somothing to plan grid wide crash in 2 weeks….
Also i am not sure that LL is legit in FORCING its user base to supply extremly sensitive information to an unknown 3rd party
May 4th, 2007 at 4:56 PM
This is PROBABLY gonna mean a LOT less “Griefers” o.O
There goes my fun w/ mind-games XD XP
May 4th, 2007 at 4:56 PM
“While Linden Lab is working to ensure Second Life is restricted to adults, the burden of responsibility lies with the parcel and estate owner for the content displayed and activities offered on their land.”
“and estate owner”
I have 200 residents do I have to make all my regions adult to avoid liability for their actions or are only the parcel owners liable in rental situations?
May 4th, 2007 at 4:58 PM
About bloody time! ^.^
However, if I make a suggestion. Add one other feature to the parcel restriction options for those that DO NOT have “adult” content on their land and do not wish to be flagged as having it…. yet wish to restrict their parcel to ID-verified account holders. (Still following me here?)
Some owners may dislike having the possible stigma of “adult” content while wishing to only allow ID-verified individuals on their plots.
May 4th, 2007 at 4:58 PM
Charging a fee to premium members and landowner for the service is an outrage. Linden labs has our credit cards and is charging them every month, that should be proof enough.
May 4th, 2007 at 4:58 PM
On a sidenote I am in New Zealand…
May 4th, 2007 at 4:58 PM
Time for another open letter project to force LL to back off on this “identity theft” waiting to happen move.
May 4th, 2007 at 4:59 PM
“Driver’s license, passport or ID card” are you joking?
I think you need to come to grips with a few things. Half the residents in SL do not live in Puritanical America. Your ‘immature’ attitude toward sex and alcohol are not shared by the majority of people on Earth. There is no drinking age in most of Europe and Asia and most people look upon sex as a normal human activity.
If you want to get rid of troublemakers, then get rid of the Nopey accounts (No Payment Info on File). Age verification is best done through financial instruments (credit cards, debit cards) because - wait for it - drum roll - most 10-year-olds don’t have them (sarcasm intended).
Why do you make things more complicated when a simple solution is staring you in the face? Dump the Nopey accounts and spend your valuable time stabilizing the grid rather than wasting it on moral crusades.
May 4th, 2007 at 5:00 PM
“Premium Residents will access the verification system for a nominal fee.”
Is not the fact that I’ve supplied LL with my CC#, in order to even hold a premium account, age verification in-and-of itself?
May 4th, 2007 at 5:02 PM
Did you ever bother to consider that maybe the reason the name of the third party isn’t listed is that maybe LL hasn’t chosen the one they will finally use yet? Try using some logic instead of paranoid delusion.
May 4th, 2007 at 5:03 PM
This is another good idea/ bad idea issue. While yes, it will keep those too young to play on the main Second Life server off, I can see it having some less than positive effects.
As of late I’ve been finding myself not trusting much of any of these new ideas from the Lindens.
While I am fine with giving credit card information, I’m sorry, I am -not- going to flash a passport, home address, or driver’s license. This may just be me, but I don’t trust any internet company that far; nor will I ever.
What are you going to want next: a urine sample?
A credit card check should have been more than enough, but that option was taken a way.
I’m going to be honest, there has to be another way to keep the youth of the world blind to what the adults do. This is all about covering ass and nothing much else, as far as I can see it.
This is intrusive and asking too much for something like this. No, no, no.
I know we are only the people who are paying for the service and keeping the Lindex going, but you could actually ask us how we feel about these things first, and maybe discuss options with us.
But given how things are going as of late, that is asking the impossible.
How many people, with more than one avatar, actually pay the silly $9.00 fee? I am going to go out on a limb here and say…next to none. In either case, people who do that are also your paying customers regardless.
Find another way and stop going for all of these easy, dime store, solutions.
May 4th, 2007 at 5:04 PM
I’d like to know what SL considers a ‘nominal’ L$ fee? That’s a highly dependant statement, and it’s got a lot to do with what your L$ balance is.
I’m lucky if I’ve got L$5000 between both of my avatars.. and I recently had to downgrade to non-premium because I can’t afford to pay for it IRL right now. If LL is going to be charging me a significant portion of my L$ blance for some verification system that should have been okay when I gave them my CC info, then they had better be giving me more info than this.
Charina
May 4th, 2007 at 5:04 PM
WAit just a darn second… can we reuse verification for our alt accounts?
May 4th, 2007 at 5:04 PM
They kind of contradict themselves here. I think a mistake was made when typing this up… the way I read it, PREMIUM members will have FREE Access to the system. BASIC members will have to pay. They just mistyped later in the post.
I for one will not be flagging my content as adult at first, at least not for a month or two…
I barely make enough to live off of from my store. Unless they provide us a grace period, this is going to hurt my business. Not because I sell to underage players, but because it’s going to take a -while- before enough residents are verified to sustain sales. Many just won’t do it out of personal policy choice. So I say to LL, do NOT start restricting access to adult flags areas until a verifications reach some set point that should have the least impact on legitimate business.
May 4th, 2007 at 5:06 PM
Although I am wholeheartedly in favor of this initiative *in principle*, I must second the concerns of Buxton Malaprop @ 13
Especially given Linden Labs’ (ahem) less than excellent track record in accommodating non-US accounts in the past, I have grave apprehensions about LL’s ability to set up a system of age verification that does not massively discriminate against those residents who do not live in the US. The very wording of the proposal reeks of thoughtless US-centrism (I am unaware of any country in the world other than the US where a driver’s license is regarded as the primary method of picture identification, just to mention the most blatant example).
I am also somewhat uncomfortable with the suggestion that accountholders will be charged for this service. Again, as past experience has shown (the First Land program springs to mind), LL does not have a very good track record of honoring their promises after they have received our money. Will this be just another cash cow for LL to milk and not provide anything in return?
May 4th, 2007 at 5:06 PM
We have a privacy problem here. It should be that anyone signing on to sl should have a credit card. I think its disgusting that LL is now infringing on us adults. This is a privacy issue. They may ask for a social security number but we are not required to give it. They do not have the right to that information. And think about it folks … whose to say that the person your giving all this information to is honest and upstanding? ummmmm… are there any attornies out there?
May 4th, 2007 at 5:07 PM
“Premium Residents will access the verification system for a nominal fee.”
Wait, I already have an account, that I’ve paid for in advance, with the understanding that I’m allowed to access mature sections of the world, INCLUDING LAND I MAY OWN (OR HAVE DEEDED TO A GROUP) AND HAVE MARKED AS MATURE, and suddenly, if I don’t pony up an extra charge, I can’t get to it? Danger Will Robinson. I’m all in favor of this for new accounts, and possibly even at account renewal times, but has anyone at LL’s legal team read this yet? Seriously, we already paid for the content and the ToS we had to agree to said we’d be accessing an adult grid, etc etc etc. Charing me an extra fee after I prepaid isn’t going to fly. Really, can someone from LL explain why I’d *reasonably* be expected to pay a ‘nominal fee’ for something I already paid *in advance* to access?
May 4th, 2007 at 5:07 PM
Why did you edit it?
“Premium Second Life Residents will have access to the identity verification system free of charge as part of their subscription.”
What made you change your mind suddenly?
“Premium Second Life Residents will have access to the identity verification system free of charge as part of their subscription.”
We’re already paying you, why do we need to pay more? I paid my $10 premium (plus 75/mo) to get full access to SL.
“Premium Second Life Residents will have access to the identity verification system free of charge as part of their subscription.”
May 4th, 2007 at 5:08 PM
I’m not comfortable providing Linden Labs with my personal identification let alone a third party that I do not know. Credit cards have always been accepted as proof of age. Why do you need proof of identity? I don’t provide my “papers” in my RL why would I do so in SL.
If I don’t identity verify, does this mean I will no longer be able to live with my SL husband on our Mature sim?
May 4th, 2007 at 5:08 PM
LL has an obligation to prevent minors accessing adult content on the grid.
Given this obligation, a system must be created which ensures the obligation is met in the fairest way possible.
If only a few adult content providers require proof of age, then those providers are at a disadvantage in terms of traffic and potential market.
If all adult content providers require proof of age, ethical providers are not disadvantaged by comparison to other providers, as everyone has the same policy.
Limiting all adult areas to age-verified residents only is thus more fair than limiting only some of them, or giving the owners of those areas the choice about which adult content is limited.
This new feature/policy will also help reassure people who worry about the RL age of those they meet or interact with in Second Life.
Finally, this change paves the way for the eventual integration of the Teen and Adult grids of SL, with teens only able to access PG content.
This is a good thing, as adults and teens have much to learn from each other. Integration would bring benefits to both, so long as a robust system can prevent minors being exposed to adult content.
I also like the fact that LL will not store our passport, social security, or other number used to verify age. This is a good thing, as frankly, nobody wants to hand this very important personal information to a private company. LL has made a good choice by deciding not to retain this information.
Overall, I think this change is very reasonable, given LL’s obligation as a service provider to keep minors away from adult content.
My only worry is how ‘adult’ will be interpreted. Please don’t define ‘adult content’ too broadly - doing that would impose unnecessary restrictions on SL users which they might find annoying.
Other then that minor worry, this seems like a sensible move by LL.
May 4th, 2007 at 5:08 PM
Woohoo, yeah I certainly can’t wait to hand over more real life information to a game that already has my full credit card information for two types of cards, way to go! I mean I spend like 150$ RL money every month, but I’m sure I’m not of age to have this kind of access to my OWN CREDIT CARDS!
Hey, I’ve got an idea, how about we change SL’s name to 1984 and get it over with ^.^ cheers.
May 4th, 2007 at 5:09 PM
@nimrod: there was an error in the post to the answer for question #14 regarding payment. We just caught it and put back the original language.
May 4th, 2007 at 5:10 PM
What about those of us without passports, drivers’ licences or any form of national ID? You falsely assume that all adults have one of these things - not all of us drive, go abroad or live in countries with Big Brother-style ID card schemes.
The best bit IMO is we’re now expected to pay for the privilege of being treated like adults. Are we not mature enough to be given the responsibility of ignoring things we don’t want to see? The way I see it this system is good in theory but completely flawed in practice.
May 4th, 2007 at 5:10 PM
My major concern is what happens to this info you verify with. If it gets hacked, its an ID thief’s dream. Somewhere that info has to sit somewhere for some amount of time for it to be verified. That is long enough for some yahoo to come along with a hack to make this insecure. I dont mind you guys getting rid of the teens and such on the adult grid, great idea. I am just a bit concerned with this big brother action without the big brother protection it needs to make it viable and working.
May 4th, 2007 at 5:10 PM
Robin; have you decided how much a “nominal” fee will be?
May 4th, 2007 at 5:10 PM
Instead of getting rid of the real problem (no-payment-info-on-file accounts), you’ve decided to charge us to use a pornsite verification service?
May 4th, 2007 at 5:11 PM
@Mitsuyasi:
In regards to your concern, the process is optional and the verification system will be run by a third party specializing in age and identity authentication. No personally identifying information will be stored by them or by Linden Lab, including date of birth, unless the Resident chooses to do so.
May 4th, 2007 at 5:11 PM
What happens if our account name doesn’t match exactly with the id we are submitting?
May 4th, 2007 at 5:11 PM
To Number #33. Premium user already have been ID verified (payment to LL) so why forcing them>?
May 4th, 2007 at 5:12 PM
With respect to fees:
#14: Premium Residents will access the verification system for a nominal fee (less than L$10) as part of their subscription. Basic users will be charged a larger fee to verify their age, can upgrade to Premium to access the system, or simply decline to verify their age and continue enjoying the areas of Second Life that don’t contain adult content.
May 4th, 2007 at 5:12 PM
Great, nomore annoying E-thugged-out brats on the grid!
But…
if people wish to stay anonymous and cannot access mature sims (most sims are mature) this will affect our businesses! Less sales and customers, less content for the un-verified!
This obviously hasn’t been thought over properly, and i’m not looking forward to it.
Stop adding features!
Looks like we need to send another letter in because the point doesn’t seem to poked LL’s butts enough to realise that it’s the performance and stabilty that needs attention
May 4th, 2007 at 5:12 PM
My first question is, well which one is it?
First it says: “Premium Second Life Residents will have access to the identity verification system free of charge as part of their subscription.” in the top.
Then it says: “Premium Residents will access the verification system for a nominal fee.” in the question and answer part.
My second question is I sell some classic artwork. Some of these show nudity. Most people would not consider this to be adult but there are people that protest nude art in museums and in some parts of the world it is considered adult material. Which way is LL going to go on stuff like that?
May 4th, 2007 at 5:13 PM
I WILL NOT PAY A FEE WHEN I AM PAYING PREMIUM AS IT IS. THAT IS PROOF ENOUGH. NO YOU WILL NOT GET MORE OF MY MONEY!
After that is said.. what comes with people with alts they have to pay the fees for all those to?? I design, and I have alts to use as models, and to hold inventory so I dont lose certain items..
This is not looking good. I am for the “idea” but not for the way to get there.
May 4th, 2007 at 5:13 PM
Oh this is awesome, I’m going to set all my PG material to mature from now on.
May 4th, 2007 at 5:14 PM
When does this update go into effect
May 4th, 2007 at 5:14 PM
hmmm my post was eaten? or censored? sighs wtg LL
anyway i for one applaud it, 6 months ago many were screaming for it, now you are crappin on it…make up your minds people….:rolleyes:
May 4th, 2007 at 5:14 PM
to #40. It is not optional at all, as the majority of the land is flagged mature… so peoples are FORCED to use a yet to be named 3rd party to be able to fully enjoy SL.
Personnal information is still been transimited to that mysterious 3rd party in the 1st place and CAN be intercepted
May 4th, 2007 at 5:14 PM
As a long time resident, multiple-island owner, user of many online services and multi-player worlds, evangelist for metaverses and social media as well as a parent of, I must say I’m in complete disagreement with this policy and implementation. It seems extraordinarily heavy-handed and potentially an administrative nightmare for all parties involved– Linden Lab and residents (both foreign and domestic).
I’m also concerned at the false sense of moral protection that such catch-tag-and-release measures such as this convey. On the surface, the ‘protect the children’ approach sounds wonderful, who wouldn’t want to ‘protect’ the children?
It’s a far deeper issue than the easy headline that ’save the children’ conveys; there are numerous negative issues (both social and economic) that exist *because* there are two grids, another situation I oppose (however, understand that the early direction of the SL Grid requires it to continue down this path).
I’d ask the well-informed pundits and cheerleaders both to speculate: Google has all the pieces, as well as Microsoft, to create a metaverse universe such as Second Life. And they are not included in the 11 existing and potential competitors to SL. How might they handle this? Could they get away with incorporating a policy like this?
The protection of children is both as a real concern and political platform and certainly a hotbed issue. This policy will be one to watch for sure.
May 4th, 2007 at 5:15 PM
@40 - the rule applies to parcels flagged as containing adult content. These parcels are in mature regions (no adult content can be present in PG regions).
If you are not age verified you will not be able to access these flagged parcels or any island estates that are flagged as containing adult content. You will, however, be able to access mature regions where there is no adult content. Make sense?
May 4th, 2007 at 5:15 PM
And exactly how do we pay to get verified in L$ or through our mastercard?
May 4th, 2007 at 5:16 PM
That’s wonderful, you can take my credit card number for free, but you’ll be charging me to take a look at my driver’s license?
May 4th, 2007 at 5:16 PM
Sit and watch as the Lindens go through with it regardless of how the player base feels about it.
This is getting to the point of making me want to just walk away from the game.
Did the open letter go over your heads: LISTEN TO US.
May 4th, 2007 at 5:16 PM
ok saw the L10 i can deal.. but still people.. WTF.
May 4th, 2007 at 5:17 PM
Once again, Linden Labs adopts a US-sentric attitude. US players only have to provide the last 4 digits of their Social Security numbers, while non-US residents have to provide a full National ID Number (whatever that is, and whatever countires use them) or a full passport number! What about people who have no National ID, or passport? What are they to do?
I’m sure other responses also bring up the worry about how secure this information is, once it leaves computers. Is it really wise to give out a passport number? What guarantees are there that those numbers won’t be used for some other purpose?
Yes, I’m over 18, even my kids are well over 18, but there has to be a better way to control kids getting on the adult grid than this. It’s too risky.
May 4th, 2007 at 5:17 PM
With respect to fees:
#14: Premium Residents will access the verification system for a nominal fee (less than L$10) as part of their subscription. Basic users will be charged a larger fee to verify their age, can upgrade to Premium to access the system, or simply decline to verify their age and continue enjoying the areas of Second Life that don’t contain adult content.
robin this is the only part i dont agree with. as a premium account holder you are already getting more than enough from me, and until there is more grid stability? you guys shouldnt be charging anyone anything beyond what they are already paying
(yeah yeah i know, i do LOVE the idea though, but boy the escort services in sl are gonna take a huge dive what with thier employees not being able to get to work)
May 4th, 2007 at 5:18 PM
Any scripting changes? Such as llGetAgentInfo?
May 4th, 2007 at 5:18 PM
What teen who has got this far is unable to use a parent’s ID to be verified? And how do you ensure adults who do not wish to further reduce their privacy online don’t get bumped off SL? And why, if SL is the next generation internet, does it assume this extra measure of oversight when the regular internet is freely accessible to all, with parents/guardians holding the responsibility for what their children access?
May 4th, 2007 at 5:19 PM
I agree that minors should be kept from the adult grid and away from adult content, but I disagree with the highly intrusive personal identification system Linden Labs plans to use.
May 4th, 2007 at 5:19 PM
Is this going to be secure because we are required to give information to a third party?
May 4th, 2007 at 5:19 PM
We value free expression. However .. it will cost $10LD
May 4th, 2007 at 5:19 PM
So if ONE parcel is flagged adult in a whole mature sim, unverifieds won’t be able to get ont hat sim as a whole.. OR just not that exact parcel and will be able to access the rest of the mature region?
May 4th, 2007 at 5:20 PM
that was to Robin Linden
May 4th, 2007 at 5:20 PM
Good move, and something that has been loudly asked for since I joined, and surely long before. There’s a bit of a drawback for me personally that I find amusing: I likely don’t have the proper ID to verify my age. Sometimes I play shows in clubs that have dancers, and this is going to put a stop to that. That’s fine, though - I’m not hurting for gigs, and playing shows at clubs with dancers is the closest I get to sexual content in SL anyway.
Premium Residents will access the verification system for a nominal fee (
Now, will this be a one-time fee, or something that will be charged every time an adult-content area is visited? If a one-time fee, I see a lot of crying in this blog over a couple of pennies.
May 4th, 2007 at 5:20 PM
So non-age verified Residents will still be able to access Mature areas without adult content/behavior, right?
Also, what constitutes adult content/behavior? Does simply being clothes-free fall under adult content/behavior? What if it is a realistic-looking avatar? Would nude beaches be considered adult content (with no sexual activity, of course).
What about realistic violence?
May 4th, 2007 at 5:20 PM
I think any reasonable effort to keep uderage individuals off unsuitable sims in commendable. The key word being “reasonable”. Giving personal information to an undisclosed third party doesn’t seem to fit within the parameters of “reasonable”. In addition, I would think that Linden Labs would shy away from this type of activity, since any breach of the system by an uderage individual would indicate that Linden precautions are not adequate and would be a litigational nightmare. No matter how much veerifiable information u require, there is nothing to say that Junior hasnt “bottowed daddy’s wallet to provide the info.
As far as charging for this fiasco, its shameful that Lindens will even consider this as a resident obligation. They are already giving less than we pay for with the frequency of problems and shutdowns.
May 4th, 2007 at 5:21 PM
As someone who has actually read 1984, Mitsu, there is a distinct difference between knowing who is on your private property (SL is, in fact, private, not public, property, and you have no expectations beyond those that a customer or guest should enjoy) and spying on their every action.
Freedom can only exist and last among those who recognise their rational long term self interest is best served by responsible use of liberty, and only if those persons can be held personally accountable for abuse of freedom in the commission of criminal or other abusive activities. i.e. there is a difference between anarchy and chaos. SL and its residents strive to build a stable and free anarchical community, not a chaotic warzone.
I am only concerned about this step if it is the start of a slippery slope toward LL acting as a tax collector for the IRS or for carrying water for other government regulatory agencies. To head off such possibilities, it is incumbent upon us, the residents of SL, to take personal responsibility for promulgating our own inworld methods of self responsibility and accountability for our actions with the rest of our fellow avatars.
Changes like LL is doing with its identification program only occur because abuses are happening, and residents, or their RL guardians, are irresponsible, negligent, or fraudulent in their actions.
May 4th, 2007 at 5:21 PM
Perhaps I am missing it, but do you pay each time you try to enter an area with content labeled as adult? Or a one time fee?
May 4th, 2007 at 5:21 PM
Oops. there was an angle-bracket there. Meant to quote this:
Premium Residents will access the verification system for a nominal fee (less than L$10) as part of their subscription. Basic users will be charged a larger fee to verify their age, can upgrade to Premium to access the system, or simply decline to verify their age and continue enjoying the areas of Second Life that don’t contain adult content.
May 4th, 2007 at 5:21 PM
While I support LL’s efforts to get the children off of the main grid there is no way on earth that I will be providing LL, a third party or anyone else on the internet my driver’s license and Social Security card. I think you need to think up a better scheme than what you are proposing. I can see already that there is a little resistence to this plan. I feel like I have to bare my entire life just to stay in SL.
May 4th, 2007 at 5:21 PM
Gillian, you owe me a beer.
May 4th, 2007 at 5:22 PM
Ok let me get this right
I already have a Premium Account and i own 2 sims so now i will have to pay to say i am over 18 i think with what i have should be enuf to say im over 18 just like all the other Premium account holders and sim owners. i have no problems keeping the kids out of the main grid.I just dont like the idea of giving out more money to LL and personal id to anyone.
May 4th, 2007 at 5:22 PM
So if my land is on a MATURE sim and NOT flagged as adult, people will be able to access my parcel?
But if there is someone else nextdoor to my parcel or anywhere else on the sim and flagged as adult the whole sim is out of bounds!?
May 4th, 2007 at 5:22 PM
This idea is worse than the National ID system. Now we have to send our private documents to a third party and trust them? No worry about identity theft, right? And what about people living outside of America? Can this verification company read Japanese? Plus, lets say a parent pays for an SL account for their child. What will prevent the child from scanning the driver’s license of their parent and hiding under that identity?
Also, remember there are still paid alts (which is completely stupid to still have this option since it is of no practical value). I made the mistake of being honest when I signed up for one and had to pay the $10 fee, when thousands of others were getting them for free. How will the payment fees apply to these accounts?
May 4th, 2007 at 5:23 PM
Ok. I have been a premium user two seperate times so far and now am free user because I rent 1/4 of an island from an estate owner. Shouldn’t the payment information I have on file cover for this verification? Or have times changed and 15/yr olds are running around with matercards and visas?
Also, the statement regarding estate owners being responsible for their own areas is very offensive. We are not allowed to run our own server or store our own data to ensure a stable play environment for our visitors and are forced to rely on the very buggy SL system which for the most part is probably due to upgrades. More likely servers sharing multiple estates? Yet the data is our responsibility? How is it different from the LL owned land? As I recall people whether estate owners or LL land owners all pay maintenance money to LL.
May 4th, 2007 at 5:23 PM
As someone from the UK who does not drive and has no passport will I be able to get varified?
May 4th, 2007 at 5:23 PM
My initial thoughts are that this is a good thing, and good on ya for bringing it about.
Of course, I do have some concerns how this will affect my alts. The post states that I will be able to associate my identity with a limited number of alts, but does not specify what “limited” means. Will this be clarified soon?
.
May 4th, 2007 at 5:23 PM
What do we have here? A couple of programmers, who call themselves Linden Labs and started a game called Second Earth.
I am a resident for about two months. In that time I could not log in for 3 weeks, due to a mistake of LL. I could not earn any income for those 3 weeks and lost about L$. 2000.
In all my life I have never ever seen a program so instable as Second Life.
In my opinion SL has overgrown the abillity of its makers. They cannot handle it any longer.
Therefore I most certainly do not trust LL with my creditcard number; so why should I trust them with the number of my passport?
Security is good. To be over-secure is a hysterical disorder.
Dont get me wrong; I like SL and have met wonderful people there, but first get the program stabile, before you try anything new.
And where lies the responsebility when a minor gets into SL-adult? Does it lie with LL or with the parents of that kid? I think the latter.
May 4th, 2007 at 5:24 PM
I think any reasonable effort to keep uderage individuals off unsuitable sims in commendable. The key word being “reasonable”. Giving personal information to an undisclosed third party doesn’t seem to fit within the parameters of “reasonable”. In addition, I would think that Linden Labs would shy away from this type of activity, since any breach of the system by an uderage individual would indicate that Linden precautions are not adequate and would be a litigational nightmare. No matter how much verifiable information u require, there is nothing to say that Junior hasnt “borrowed daddy’s wallet to provide the info.
As far as charging for this fiasco, its shameful that Lindens will even consider this as a resident obligation. They are already giving less than we pay for with the frequency of problems and shutdowns.
May 4th, 2007 at 5:26 PM
Premium Residents will access the verification system for a nominal fee (less than L$10) as part of their subscription. Basic users will be charged a larger fee to verify their age, can upgrade to Premium to access the system, or simply decline to verify their age and continue enjoying the areas of Second Life that don’t contain adult content.
/me’s eyeballs pop out of her sockets
How DARE you charge a fee for age verification? This is not of our wantings! Paying to provide LL with my passport, drivers license and such… HOW ABOUT YOUR PAY US?
May 4th, 2007 at 5:27 PM
Never mind my questions, except for the first (”So non-age verified Residents will still be able to access Mature areas without adult content/behavior, right?”). The FAQ was not posted yet when I submitted the message.
May 4th, 2007 at 5:27 PM
For those with Alts they probably should just get rid of the “You may only have so many accounts” issue.
Why is it bad for people to be active on more than one account? It is better for the economy that people have more than one, that is more money spent.
Or does LL want to sound like a twisted dating service and nothing else?
May 4th, 2007 at 5:27 PM
I also would like to know Linden Labs definition of “nominal fee”.
I already pay 72$ a year for my account not to mention Land fees every month and fees for cashing out
ALSO why try and side step around the fee with the word nominal. Come on we are not stupid you are rolling this out in 2 weeks you know what the fee is! why beat around the bush just tell us what the fee is.
ya know, nothing pisses people off more then when companies use words or tactics like this.
May 4th, 2007 at 5:27 PM
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May 4th, 2007 at 5:27 PM
I Joined SL when You HAD to pay 10 US dollars for a Basic Account, and now they’re giving them away so i Have to pay just as much as the people who get Free Accounts?
I don’t think this is fair…