Monday, May 7, 2007

Second Life Rape

Virtual Rape is Traumatic, but Is It a Crime?
Wired

"Last month, two Belgian publications reported that the Brussels police have begun an investigation into a citizen's allegations of rape -- in Second Life."

No. This is not a joke. Some people are emotionally traumatized by what occurs in a digital realm. Even though they feel no physical effects, the act of being 'raped' (basically sexually harassed on the internet) hurts some. Apparently.

But can it really be considered a criminal offense? This seems absurd to me, but we'll have to wait and see what our judicial system decides, if this ever -- which it probably will -- become an issue here in the U.S.

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