Class

Article

College

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Faculty Mentor

Briana Bowen

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Abstract

The emergence of virtual worlds on platforms such as Animal Crossing, World of Warcraft, and Second Life are creating new, global connections that raise both security opportunities and concerns. Virtual worlds have recently been utilized to create social change anonymously, as evidenced by pro-Hong Kong democracy demonstrations taking place on Animal Crossing and Black Lives Matter protests taking place across many platforms (Sims, Grand Theft Auto, World of Warcraft, etc.). The blatant use of virtual worlds by potentially dangerous groups has given the FBI (and other security organizations) clear insights into their plans, and makes the job of security workers easier and safer. However, little research has been done on individuals or mal-intentioned groups or actors with higher skill levels or a deeper desire for their activities to stay untraced. Within virtual worlds, it is incredibly easy to create untraceable interactions and money transfers. This study will focus on the security implications of virtual worlds, projections of where and how they will develop, and finally policy recommendations and analysis for security organizations.Presentation Time: Thursday, 10-11 a.m.Zoom link: https://usu-edu.zoom.us/j/83484931836?pwd=TlpyRWsrSjYvVVl6dTVXRi9YQ3JOZz09

Location

Logan, UT

Start Date

4-13-2021 12:00 AM

Included in

Life Sciences Commons

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Apr 13th, 12:00 AM

Virtual Worlds Promise and Threaten to Transform Society–– Legal Framework Reassessment Needed

Logan, UT

The emergence of virtual worlds on platforms such as Animal Crossing, World of Warcraft, and Second Life are creating new, global connections that raise both security opportunities and concerns. Virtual worlds have recently been utilized to create social change anonymously, as evidenced by pro-Hong Kong democracy demonstrations taking place on Animal Crossing and Black Lives Matter protests taking place across many platforms (Sims, Grand Theft Auto, World of Warcraft, etc.). The blatant use of virtual worlds by potentially dangerous groups has given the FBI (and other security organizations) clear insights into their plans, and makes the job of security workers easier and safer. However, little research has been done on individuals or mal-intentioned groups or actors with higher skill levels or a deeper desire for their activities to stay untraced. Within virtual worlds, it is incredibly easy to create untraceable interactions and money transfers. This study will focus on the security implications of virtual worlds, projections of where and how they will develop, and finally policy recommendations and analysis for security organizations.Presentation Time: Thursday, 10-11 a.m.Zoom link: https://usu-edu.zoom.us/j/83484931836?pwd=TlpyRWsrSjYvVVl6dTVXRi9YQ3JOZz09