January 2007
2 posts
4 tags
On proof of identity in virtual worlds
Hypothetical Situation: You visit PayPal’s virtual office and visit with a friendly bank teller who helps you with the day’s financial issue. You are at ease, you’ve talked with this particular avatar many times before and feel safe in the farmilliar and comfortable virtual surroundings. After verifying your identity she fixes your problem and you are on your merry way.
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5 tags
On the importance of virtual privacy
Hypothetical situation: I walk down a market street on a weekend shopping excursion. Without my knowledge, my geographical position is being monitored and recorded every few seconds. Business owners, or for that matter anyone willing to pay can reconstruct my shopping trip to determine which products I’m most likely to buy on my next visit and how they can attract future customers.
How does that...