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Google’s “Lively” getting a little TOO lively for some

by Jodie Andrefski on Jul 14, 2008 at 04:45 PM

google_lively

Google’s new online virtual world program “Lively” is causing a bit of a stir for some users. It seems it has become a tad too lively in some of it’s rooms. Apparently there have been some “sex rooms” created in the virtual world, and a few users are complaining. Complaints which Google isn’t taking lightly. 

“Our community standards prohibit sexually explicit images and rooms intended for sexual activity, even if virtual. When we become aware of ‘sex rooms’ that violate our Terms of Service, we’ll work to remove them.”

Lively is Google’s latest step to create an online social interface for users.  However, Google does have guidelines that must be adhered to regarding what may or may not go on in the rooms as it relates to pornography. Google Lively’s community standards do not allow any nudity or sexually explicit material:

“We don’t allow nudity, graphic sex acts, or sexually explicit material. This includes making sexual advances toward other users. We also don’t allow content that drives traffic to commercial pornography sites or that promotes pedophilia, incest, or bestiality. Google has a zero-tolerance policy against child pornography. If we become aware of child pornography, the content will be removed and we will report it and its owners to the appropriate authorities.”

Although some of the room names on Lively admittedly do seem a little risque, it didn’t look as though there was anything very shocking actually showing up in the rooms other than the room titles. (For example, “Sexo Virtual”, “sexy babes”, “BDSM Espana”, or even the room “porn place” (pictured above) which featured a pretty tame YouTube video playing on the bottom of the pool.)  However, just the room names are enough for many, being that this program is supposed to be user-friendly. And that means for all. Most probably wouldn’t want their 7-year old little son Johnny hopping on Lively, and the first thing he sees is the room “Sexy Babes” or “Porn Place”.  Or have to deal with “What’s BDSM Mommy?”

Google says that users who do violate their terms will have their account disable and find themselves banned. But, I’m thinking in the immortal words of Arnold, “They’ll be baaa-aack”.

Read [CNet

 

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