iReport.com is a user-generated site. That means the stories submitted by users are not edited, fact-checked or screened before they post. Only stories marked "On CNN" have been vetted for use in CNN news coverage. Learn more »
close
iReport: Unedited. Unfiltered. News.
Upload Now!
iReports
iReporters
Blog
Map
Home > iReports > Story
Hate Speech Charges Filed Against Second Life Publisher
Posted by: eddihaskell // 1 month ago // viewed 137 times
embed media
Last updated: 1 month ago
Eddi Haskell, an avatar and a Second Life resident, reports that on October 8,2008, charges were filed against a Second Life publication, InVogue Daily, that publishes on Google Blogger.

Mr. Haskell is also the founding member of the filing organization, the Second Life Coalition for Responsible Publishing.

These charges were done in conjunction with an advertising boycott any advertisers who renews an existing ad schedule in future InVoque family of publication issues. Compliance with the boycott is already reported with several advertisers.
The press statement that the organization issued reads as follows:
On October 8, 2008, a complaint was filed with Google Blogger, where InVoque Daily is housed, for the publishing of blatant and derogatory and hateful comments against the following groups from October 3 - October 8 2008.
Hateful comments were made against:
Older People (age discrimination)
Gay People (sexual orientation/gender identity) We believe that comments published could potentially endanger the health of real life gay people, particularly as the Matthew Shepherd 10 year anniversary approaches on October 12, 2008
And, indirectly, antisemitic comments (ethnic identity).
A positive ruling may result in the closure of InVoque Daily as a Google Blog.
The organization quotes the following Term of Service Agreement from Google as their filing prerogative: While Blogger values and safeguards political and social commentary, material that promotes hatred toward groups based on race or ethnic origin, religion, disability, gender, age, veteran status, or sexual orientation/gender identity is not allowed on Blogger.
Linden Labs has been made aware of this filing.
What makes this case so unique and of interest to the general public is that although second life is based on fictional characters, the general public may not realize this from reading the blog content involved which contains hateful references to the above minority groups.

In response to assignment: Stories from Second Life
Average Rating (1)
E-mail to a friendE-mail this story | Share
Log in to report violation
Log in to Comment Comments