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A couple weeks ago, when the FBI released its 2011 National Gang Threat Assessment Guide, we were all too busy laughing at the supposed threat a new gang called "The Juggalos" posed to notice an important detail: Along with the Faygo chugging clowns who listen to Insane Clown Posse, another potential gang threat is contained in the game Second Life.
Second Life, an open-world MMO, is described by the Feds as:
"A computer-based virtual world with a simulated environment where users inhabit and interact via avatars, or graphical representations the virtual world may depict a real world or a fantasy world. Users communicate through text-chat and real-time voice-based chat. Second Life provides versatility and anonymity and allows for covert communications. Because of its anonymity and versatility, gang members could potentially use second life to recruit, spread propaganda, commit other crimes such as drug trafficking, and receive training for real-world criminal operations."
It's like nowhere is safe and now I can't play a simple game of Second Life without potentially being a victim of propaganda and drug trafficking!
Seriously, though, while I don't know much about organized crime, I know from personal experience that the Juggalos are, by and large, nice people who enjoy terrible music. Many of them are doofs, but they are very nice. My time in Second Life showed it to be a haven for creative people, housewives, furries and agoraphobics, so I have to wonder what's really going on here.
Does the FBI even believe its own reports? Is there some evidence of a criminal underworld in Second Life that I am unaware of? Have we gone down the rabbit hole, people? What's going on??
(Via kotaku)
All of the best people are following Stephen Johnson's twitter feed. Also, email me if you wanna.
Comments are Closed
Comments
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Albire
Flip! It sounds like the FBI is catching on to my ploys!
Maybe I should switch to using Myspace. At least no one uses that anymore.
Athtsak
WTF!
Debbiejean
Gang? LOL. I've been in SL 2 years and the only crime I've seen is the cost of land tiers.
Debbiejean
Gang? LOL. I've been in SL 2 years and the only crime I've seen is the cost of land tiers.
Debbiejean
Gang? LOL. I've been in SL 2 years and the only crime I've seen is the cost of land tiers.
TranceMuse5
For a minute I thought they targeting Skyrim because of the fact that it's giving people second lives.
Zaxous
Wait, so people still play Second Life?
lobstercoco
i just got one word to say about this "HA!"
kwfang
lol wait what are they serious
gamer__150
Really FBI, Really? *Facepalm*
NickJ89
I feel like this could set a dangerous precedent. Anonymity makes the internet so appealing. While there are obvious negative effects of this, there are also valuable positive effects. In my opinion the positives outweigh the negatives as far as the culture of the internet is concerned. You have to take the good with the bad. Besides, if I were in a gang and wanted to recruit via the internet, Second Life would be the LAST place I'd go haha.
phillyguerrilla
Just as I lost respect for law enforcement, the Feds sink to an even lower low. IDIOTS!
stormregime
I can not believe they are waisting my tax-dollars on this crap. Gang members in the virtual world. my goodness how far we have fallen. I bet the terrorist are looking and laughing while callin the U. S. a bunch of P@#%ies. Hahahahaha gangs in gaming. Damn you FBI, I was sure I was the only gang online or clan whatever you call me. I guess I can start me a crime ring through Modern Warfare 3, We will call ourselves......... The Regime. Add us to the list F.B.I. WHAT A JOKE!!!!
stormregime
I can not believe they are waisting my tax-dollars on this crap. Gang members in the virtual world. my goodness how far we have fallen. I bet the terrorist are looking and laughing while callin the U. S. a bunch of P@#%ies. Hahahahaha gangs in gaming. Damn you FBI, I was sure I was the only gang online or clan whatever you call me. I guess I can start me a crime ring through Modern Warfare 3, We will call ourselves......... The Regime. Add us to the list F.B.I. WHAT A JOKE!!!!
stormregime
I can not believe they are waisting my tax-dollars on this crap. Gang members in the virtual world. my goodness how far we have fallen. I bet the terrorist are looking and laughing while callin the U. S. a bunch of P@#%ies. Hahahahaha gangs in gaming. Damn you FBI, I was sure I was the only gang online or clan whatever you call me. I guess I can start me a crime ring through Modern Warfare 3, We will call ourselves......... The Regime. Add us to the list F.B.I. WHAT A JOKE!!!!
RPG-fan
This gang must be the most lamest gang ever if they are playing Second Life. What do they do? Do drive-by insults?
mikegonzalez2k
They complain about Second Life promoting gang activity yet allow games like Grand Theft Auto, and Saint's Row to be made... Hmm does anyone else see a problem here?
TrooperCam
Well Sir, I will be spending a lot of time trying to infiltrate this gang. No, I will need to work alone- from home. I will be back in 3-6 months. Wish me well.
Goddhand
If the Juggalos are considered a gang, Team Edward and Team Jacob must be considered armies.
NortheastMonk
How can gangs afford computers or the internet?
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