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Woman Arrested in Connection with Virtual Killing
A Japanese woman was recently arrested in connection with the killing of her virtual husband’s digital persona, which was prompted by the virtual husband’s divorce from the woman’s character in the virtual game world “Maple Story”. The woman is suspected of using the man’s identification and password to illegally gain access to and manipulate data to effect the virtual murder. The woman was apparently angry because her virtual character was divorced without warning. Similar to the virtual world “Second Life”, players in Maple Story represent themselves through digital character images called “avatars”, which engage in relationships and social activities as well as various game-specific activities. If charged and convicted, the woman could face a fine of up to $5,000 or imprisonment for a term of up to five years.
For additional information, visit:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081023/ap_on_re_as/as_japan_avatar_murder