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

    TrustyFans Introduces New Blog

    Creator directory TrustyFans has introduced an official blog to its site, titled "From Hidden to Hype."

    JustFor.fans' Dominic Ford Featured in Wired Magazine

    JustFor.fans Founder and CEO Dominic Ford is featured in a new article in Wired Magazine, titled "The Internet Revolutionized Porn. Age Verification Could Upend Everything."

    Dr. Charlotte Gaydos Joins ProDx Health Advisory Board

    Dr. Charlotte Gaydos has joined the Advisory Board of ProDx Health.

    Aylo Fined $5 Million as FTC, Utah Settle Safety Practices Complaint

    The Federal Trade Commission and the state of Utah on Wednesday settled a complaint against Aylo, requiring the company to pay a $5 million penalty and implement measures to prevent illegal content from appearing on its sites.

    New AI Companion Platform 'Pornstar.love' Launches

    Pornstar.love, a new AI companion platform, has officially launched.

    Pineapple Support, Stripchat to Host 'Navigating Thoughts of Suicide' Support Group

    Pineapple Support and Stripchat are hosting a free online support group to help performers deal with suicidal ideation.

    Plaiir Names Cade Maddox as Lead of Creator Relations

    Networking platform Plaiir has appointed Cade Maddox as its new lead of creator relations.

    Go.cam Launches 'One-Line Integration' Verification Solution

    Go.cam has introduced a one-line code integration for age verification.

    XBIZ Amsterdam to Debut 'Behind the Lens' Screening Series

    XBIZ is pleased to announce the debut of “Behind the Lens,” a new screening series presenting discussions with noted directors, taking place at the upcoming annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam.

    'White Rabbit' Party Headed for XBIZ Amsterdam

    XBIZ is pleased to announce the White Rabbit Party, an XBIZ Amsterdam special event set to take place Wednesday, Sept. 3.

    Show More