FTC Creates Best Practices for Online Virtual Worlds

WASHINGTON — The Federal Trade Commission has issued a report that examines the incidence of sexually and violently explicit content in online virtual worlds, looking at a number of operators including the adult themed-Utherverse’s Red Light Center, which boasts more than 4 million members.

The congressionally mandated report released last month, “Virtual Worlds and Kids: Mapping the Risks,” urges operators of virtual worlds to take a number of steps to police itself and keep explicit content away from minors, who can access explicit content in virtual worlds.

The FTC surveyed 27 online virtual worlds and found at least one instance of either sexually or violently explicit content in 19 of the 27 worlds.

The FTC observed a heavy amount of explicit content in five of the virtual worlds studied, a moderate amount in four worlds and only a low amount in the remaining 10 worlds in which explicit content was found.

“The time is ripe for these companies to grow up and implement better practices to protect kids,” said FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz.

The FTC makes five recommendations to virtual world operators to reduce the risk of youth exposure to explicit content:

  • Use more effective age-screening mechanisms to prevent children from registering in adult virtual worlds;
  • Use or enhance age-segregation techniques to make sure that people interact only with others in their age group;
  • Re-examine language filters to ensure that they detect and eliminate messages that violate rules of behavior in virtual worlds;
  • Provide more guidance to community enforcers in virtual worlds so they are better able to review and rate virtual world content, report potential underage users, and report any users who appear to be violating rules of behavior; and,
  • Employ a staff of specially trained moderators who are equipped to take swift action against rule violations.
  • The full text of the report can be found here.

    Related:  

    Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
    Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

    More News

    Roxie Rae Relaunches Site Through XSiteAbility

    Roxie Rae has relaunched her site through XSiteAbility.

    Federal Appeals Court Vacates FTC 'Click to Cancel' Rule Pending Review

    The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on Tuesday vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions, pending further review.

    NYC Adult Stores Lose Challenge to Zoning Law, May Face Relocation

    The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit on Tuesday upheld a lower court’s decision to allow enforcement of a 2001 zoning law aimed at forcing adult retail stores out of most parts of New York City.

    FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

    A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

    Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

    President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

    Only Tax Deductions Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

    Adult industry accounting firm Only Tax Deductions has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

    Adult Empire Launches 'Conversations' Podcast Series

    Adult Empire has launched a new official podcast series hosted by Nicole Chappelle and Charlie.

    Sex Work CEO Launches 'Teams Plan' for AI Assistant

    Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Teams Plan for its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

    2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

    XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

    NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

    North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

    Show More