Difference between revisions of "History/Adult content"

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'''This page compiles Adult Content info at-a-glance so you can easily see the history of what's happened and better understand what's to come.'''


During the second quarter of 2009, changes to the way adult content is handled were announced. The basic thrust of these changes is to separate "adult" material from casual SL users who did not intend to see it. The changes include (1) creating a new land rating of "Adult", in addition to the existing "PG" and "Mature", (2) changing how the search function works (3) requiring "verification" to access the adult land and search settings, and (4) updating the rules of SL (terms of service, community standards, knowledge base, etc.) to go with these changes.
During 2009, changes to the way adult content is handled in Second Life were made. The main goal of these changes is control over your experience: if you don't want to see adult content, you have that choice. If you do want to see it, provided you're account-verified, you can. The changes include:


To make these changes required updates to the server software (version 1.26 and later) which hosts grid regions, and the client software (version 1.23 and later) which runs on your home computer.  
# Creating a new region maturity rating of {{mra}}, in addition to the existing {{mrg}} and {{mrm}},
# Changing how the search functions work
# Requiring "verification" to access the adult regions and search settings, and  
# Updating policy (Terms of Service, Community Standards, Knowledge Base articles, etc.) to go with these changes.


This page compiles Adult Content info at-a-glance so you can easily see the history of what's happened and better understand what's to come.
To make these changes required updates to the server software (version 1.26 and later) which hosts grid Regions, and the Viewer software ([[Release_Notes/Second_Life_Release/1.23|version 1.23]] and later) which runs on your local computer.
 
==Adult Content FAQ==
 
For Frequently asked questions about this subject, please see the related [[Adult Content FAQ]] page.


== Timetable ==
== Timetable ==
Line 13: Line 21:
# Release of 1.23 client software - 15 Jun 2009
# Release of 1.23 client software - 15 Jun 2009
# New Adult mainland opens for visits - 15 Jun 2009
# New Adult mainland opens for visits - 15 Jun 2009
# Move tickets for Adult Mainland accepted - 29 Jun 2009
# Move tickets for Adult Mainland accepted - 29 Jun 2009 10am Pacific Time to 24 July 2009 10am Pacific Time<ref> [https://blogs.secondlife.com/community/land/blog/2009/07/03/a-zindra-update-more-land-on-the-way A Zindra Update] 3 July 2009</ref>
# Full enforcement of new rules - approx 60 days after Move tickets accepted
# Email notifications to landowners - Started 26 Aug 2009
# Auction of remaining Adult Mainland regions - Started 8 Sep 2009<ref> [https://blogs.secondlife.com/community/land/blog/2009/09/03/land-auctions-beginning-on-zindra Jack Linden Official Blog 03 Sep 2009] </ref>
# End of policy transition period - 15 September 2009 <ref> Email received 25Aug 2009 </ref>


== Changes to Region Ratings ==
== Region Ratings ==


Previously there were only two ratings for regions on the SL Main Grid: PG and Mature, and they were open to anyone to visit.  Now there is a new category, Adult, which only "verified" accounts with the right settings activated can visit.
Previously there were only two ratings for map regions on the SL Main Grid: PG and Mature, and they were open to anyone to visit.  Now there is a new category, Adult, which only "verified" accounts with the right settings activated can visit.


Once fully implemented, '''Adult Content''' is supposed to be stored either on [[Region]]s on the newly built Zindra mainland "continent" or on private Regions having the ''Adult'' [[Region rating]]. Existing mainland regions will keep their PG or Mature ratings.  Estate owners can set their region ratings as they choose, and it is expected they will change or create adult rated regions according to the demand for it.
After 15 Sep 2009, publicly promoted '''Adult Content''' is supposed to be stored either on [[Region]]s on the newly built [[Zindra]] mainland "continent" or on private Regions having the ''Adult'' [[Region rating]]. Estate owners can set their region ratings as they choose, and it is expected they will change or create adult rated regions according to the demand for it.  


=== Zindra Move ===
As of 1 Nov 2009, 1325 private regions were rated Adult, and 348 mainlaind regions (mostly Zindra).  Together they represent 5.69% of the 29,409 region total grid area <ref> [http://www.sluniverse.com/php/vb/virtual-business/8523-new-second-life-sims-past-19.html New SL Sims in the past week] Tyche Sheperd, 27 Sept 2009. </ref>


Previously existing mainland regions will not have their maturity rating changed.  Therefore parcels with adult content will need to either move to the new Zindra continent, which is all adult rated regions, or to Private regions which are rated adult. The initial map of Zindra contains about 160 regions, although at least 507 regions have been mapped:
=== Zindra Move ===
[[Image:ZindraCity.png|thumb|Kama City]]


[[Image:LDPW_Map_Zindra_Medium.jpg|512px]]
Previously existing mainland regions will not have their maturity rating changed.  Therefore mainland landowners with public adult content will need to either move to the new [[Zindra]] continent, which is all adult rated regions, or to Private regions which are rated adult.


As of 25 Jun 2009, 130 private regions were rated Adult.
Existing venues which were significantly impacted by these adult changes were given a chance to move to Zindra via a [[Linden_Lab_Official:Details for landowners on migrating to Zindra|Support Ticket]], submitted from 29 Jun 2009 until 24 July 2009. Approximately 850 move tickets were submitted.  The remaining land on Zindra started to be auctioned by Linden Lab starting 8 Sep 2009. For those who need to migrate to Zindra this link may be helpful:


Existing venues which are significantly impacted by these adult changes may request a move to Zindra via a support ticket, starting 29 Jun 2009 at 10am.
* '''[[Move_build|Guide to moving builds from one Region to another]]'''


For those who need to migrate to Zindra this link may be helpful:
Maps of [[Zindra]] as it has developed can be found on the linked page.  The most current map can be found on the [http://slurl.com/secondlife/Cloudville//// SLurl Map page]. The initial map of Zindra contained 157 regions.  Due to high demand, this was significantly increased during 3-10 July 2009.  At least 531 regions have been named, so Zindra could grow that large if there is enough demand for it.


* '''[[Move_build|Guide to moving builds from one Region to another]]'''
== Changes to Search ==


== Changes to Search ==
There are three search functions: Internal to the viewer, and two on the website.


Starting with version 1.23, there are check boxes in most tabs in search for PG, Mature, and Adult.  This determines what kind of regions your results will come from, and what words may be filtered out of your query.  You can choose the checkboxes in different combinations (they are not exclusive), and use different settings on each tab.  If you are not "verified", the adult checkbox will not be available (greyed out).
'''Viewer Search''' - Starting with version 1.23, there are check boxes in most tabs in Search for PG, Mature, and Adult.  This determines what kind of regions your results will come from, and what words may be filtered out of your query.  You can choose the checkboxes in different combinations (they are not exclusive), and use different settings on each tab.  If you are not "verified", the adult checkbox will not be available (greyed out).


If you do not have the adult checkbox active, certain input words to search will be "filtered".  That means they are ignored as if you did not type them, and you get a message about it in the results window.  There are a few words which are filtered no matter what setting you use.  These refer to banned activities such as ageplay and gambling.  An additional 60 or so english words are filtered if you do not have the Adult box active, mostly referring to sexual activities.
If you do not have the adult checkbox active, certain input words to search will be "filtered".  That means they are ignored as if you did not type them, and you get a message about it in the results window.  There are a few words which are filtered no matter what setting you use.  These refer to banned activities such as ageplay and gambling.  An additional 60 or so english words are filtered if you do not have the Adult box active, mostly referring to sexual activities.


== Verification and Preferences ==
'''[http://search.secondlife.com/web/ search.secondlife.com]''' - Input words are always filtered on this search. Results from Adult regions, and parcels on other regions with the "Mature Content" flag set in '''About Land''' are excluded.


To use the adult settings, you will need to "verify" your account. This is done in one of three ways: (1) Use the age verification page on the SL website, (2) Provide payment information on the SL website, or (3) Provide payment information on the XStreetSL site (which is owned by Linden Lab).
'''[http://maps.secondlife.com/ maps.secondlife.com]''' - Input words are '''''not''''' filtered on this page. Results from Adult regions, and parcels on other regions with the "Mature Content" flag set in '''About Land''' are excluded.  


'''Verification links:'''
== Account Settings ==
To access Adult Content, you need to "verify" your account. [[Linden_Lab_Official:How_to_become_verified_as_an_adult|Learn how.]]


* [https://secure-web7.secondlife.com/account/verification.php?lang=en Age Verification Page]
== Documentation and Downloads ==
* [https://secure-web7.secondlife.com/account/billing.php?lang=en Update Payment Info SL Page]
* [TBD XStreetSL Info Page]


Once you have account verified by one of these methods, you are supposed to get access to the adult settings.  You will need to go into Edit menu > Preferences > General Tab > Rating and choose "PG, Mature, and Adult" from the dropdown list.  If you have a lower setting, then search and region entry or teleport will be restricted to PG only, or PG and Mature only.
Numerous changes have been made to Linden documents and software to incorporate the adult content changes.  This includes the Community Standards, Knowledge Base, and Wiki.


== Linden information on Adult Content ==
=== [http://secondlife.com/corporate/cs.php Community Standards] ===


Numerous changes have been made to SL documents and software to incorporate the adult content changes.  This includes the Community Standards, Knowledge Base, and Wiki.
The Community Standards, which govern behavior in Second Life were updated 25 Jun 2009, although enforcement was delayed until 15 Sep 2009 to allow landowners to move or change their content.  In particular item 5: "Adult Regions, Groups, and Listings" was changed.


=== Community Standards ===
=== [[Knowledge Base]] ===
[http://secondlife.com/corporate/cs.php Second Life Community Standards] item 5: Adult Regions, Groups, and Listings (updated 25 Jun 2009)
'''[[:Category:Adult|Visit Category:Adult]] to see Knowledge Base articles on the Wiki about Adult Content.'''


=== [[Knowledge Base|Second Life Knowledge Base]] ===
=== Viewer Downloads ===
Dozens of articles are being created and revised for the Adult Content changes. Here are some of the key ones:


* '''{{slkb|6032|Adult-oriented content controls FAQ}}'''
* [http://secondlife.com/support/downloads.php Official Download Site for Latest version (currently 2.0.1)]
* '''{{slkb|6010|Maturity ratings: an overview}}''' - Restored with new content on 2009-04-21)
* '''{{slkb|4568|Age Verification FAQ}}'''
* '''{{slkb|4799|Age Verification Parcel and Estate Management Features}}'''
* '''{{slkb|3954|What is the difference between PG and Mature land?}}'''
* '''{{slkb|6285|Adult Oriented content controls: merchant meeting transcript}}'''
* '''{{slkb|6345|Details for landowners on migrating to Zindra}}'''
* '''{{slkb|6362|How to become verified as an adult}}'''


=== Client Version 1.23 Download ===
''Note: Some people have trouble running this version of the official Viewer, you may want to check [[alternate viewers]]:''


* [http://secondlife.com/support/downloads.php Official Download Site for 1.23]
* [[Old_versions|Older official versions]]
* [[Snowglobe|Snowglobe 1.0: Beta viewer that uses HTTP communication]]
* [[Downloads#Third-party_Viewers|Third Party Viewers]]
* [http://nicholaz-beresford.blogspot.com/ More links to third party viewers]


''Note: some people have trouble running this version of the software, you might want to check alternate viewers:''
Only alternate versions based on the official 1.23 version or later will have all the adult features.


* [http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Old_versions Older official versions]
== Discussion ==


* [http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Snowglobe Snowglobe: Beta SL viewer that uses HTTP communication]
Extensive discussion of these changes occurred since they were first announced:
 
* [http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Alternate_viewers Alternate Viewers]
 
* [http://nicholaz-beresford.blogspot.com/ Links to third party viewers]
 
== Discussion of these Changes ==
 
Extensive discussion of these changes has occurred since they were first announced:


=== Blog posts ===
=== Blog posts ===
* 2009-07-03 - '''[http://blogs.secondlife.com/community/land/blog/2009/07/03/a-zindra-update-more-land-on-the-way A Zindra Update: More Land on the way!]'''
* 2009-06-26 - '''[http://blogs.secondlife.com/community/land/blog/2009/06/26/zindra-an-update Zindra: An Update]'''
* 2009-06-26 - '''[http://blogs.secondlife.com/community/land/blog/2009/06/26/zindra-an-update Zindra: An Update]'''
* 2009-06-15 - '''[http://blogs.secondlife.com/community/land/blog/2009/06/15/welcome-to-zindra Welcome to Zindra]'''
* 2009-06-15 - '''[http://blogs.secondlife.com/community/land/blog/2009/06/15/welcome-to-zindra Welcome to Zindra]'''
* 2009-06-10 - '''[http://blogs.secondlife.com/community/technology/blog/2009/06/10/search-and-adult-content Search and Adult Content]'''
* 2009-06-10 - '''[http://blogs.secondlife.com/community/technology/blog/2009/06/10/search-and-adult-content Search and Adult Content]'''
:[http://blogs.secondlife.com/thread/1401 Search and Adult Content Discussion]
** [http://blogs.secondlife.com/thread/1401 Search and Adult Content Discussion]
* 2009-06-01 - '''[http://blogs.secondlife.com/community/features/blog/2009/06/01/adult-content-changes-in-summary Adult Content Changes in Summary]'''
* 2009-06-01 - '''[http://blogs.secondlife.com/community/features/blog/2009/06/01/adult-content-changes-in-summary Adult Content Changes in Summary]'''
:[http://blogs.secondlife.com/thread/1315 Adult Content Changes Discussion]
** [http://blogs.secondlife.com/thread/1315 Adult Content Changes Discussion]
* 2009-04-21 - '''[http://blogs.secondlife.com/community/community/blog/2009/04/21/update--upcoming-changes-for-adult-content Update - Upcoming Changes for Adult Content]'''
* 2009-04-21 - '''[http://blogs.secondlife.com/community/community/blog/2009/04/21/update--upcoming-changes-for-adult-content Update - Upcoming Changes for Adult Content]'''
* 2009-03-25 - '''[http://blogs.secondlife.com/community/community/blog/2009/03/25/follow-up-adult-content-changes Follow Up: Adult Content Changes]'''
* 2009-03-25 - '''[http://blogs.secondlife.com/community/community/blog/2009/03/25/follow-up-adult-content-changes Follow Up: Adult Content Changes]'''
Line 105: Line 103:
* 2009-04-21 - '''[http://lindenlab.com/pressroom/releases/21_04_09 Linden Lab Ushers in New Era of Second Life with Initiative to Customize The Experience for Each User]''' - Also available in French, German, and Japanese.
* 2009-04-21 - '''[http://lindenlab.com/pressroom/releases/21_04_09 Linden Lab Ushers in New Era of Second Life with Initiative to Customize The Experience for Each User]''' - Also available in French, German, and Japanese.


=== Brown Bag/inworld meetings ===
=== Inworld meetings ===
These are transcripts of "Adult Oriented content controls" meetings.
These are transcripts of "Adult Oriented content controls" meetings.


Line 117: Line 115:
=== Forum Threads ===
=== Forum Threads ===


* '''[http://forums.secondlife.com/showthread.php?p=2413766#post2413766 RC Questions]'''
* '''[http://forums-archive.secondlife.com/352/1d/318980/1.html RC Questions]'''
:Opened 01 May 2009, Closed 01 Jun 2009, 2,864 posts


Upcoming Changes for Adult Content:
* '''[http://forums-archive.secondlife.com/352/11/314444/1.html Upcoming Changes for Adult Content: Answers to Questions]'''
* '''[http://forums.secondlife.com/showthread.php?p=2375407#post2375407 Answers to Questions]'''
:Opened 31 Mar 2009, Closed 01 May 2009, 7,408 posts
* '''[http://forums.secondlife.com/showthread.php?t=312352 Main Forum Thread]'''
 
* '''[http://forums.secondlife.com/showthread.php?t=311514 Motivations and Goals]'''
* '''[http://forums-archive.secondlife.com/352/01/312352/1.html Main Forum Thread]'''
* '''[http://forums.secondlife.com/showthread.php?t=311513 Definitions]'''
:Opened 17 Mar 2009, Closed 31 Mar 2009, 4,676 posts
* '''[http://forums.secondlife.com/showthread.php?t=311512 Account Verification for Accessing Adult Content]'''
 
* '''[http://forums.secondlife.com/showthread.php?t=311511 Filtering Adult Content in Search and Classifieds]'''
* '''[http://forums-archive.secondlife.com/352/b6/311514/1.html Motivations and Goals]'''
* '''[http://forums.secondlife.com/showthread.php?t=311510 Geographical Separation of Adult Content]'''
:Opened 12 Mar 2009, Closed 17 Mar 2009, 890 posts
 
* '''[http://forums-archive.secondlife.com/352/de/311513/1.html Definitions]'''
:Opened 12 Mar 2009, Closed 17 Mar 2009, 488 posts
 
* '''[http://forums-archive.secondlife.com/352/4a/311512/1.html Account Verification for Accessing Adult Content]'''
:Opened 12 Mar 2009, Closed 17 Mar 2009, 365 posts
 
* '''[http://forums-archive.secondlife.com/352/d9/311511/1.html Filtering Adult Content in Search and Classifieds]'''
:Opened 12 Mar 2009, Closed 17 Mar 2009, 96 posts
 
* '''[http://forums-archive.secondlife.com/352/38/311510/1.html Geographical Separation of Adult Content]'''
:Opened 12 Mar 2009, Closed 17 Mar 2009, 1,044 posts


Forum posts by Blondin Linden: [Note: the official status of these answers is not known]
Forum posts by Blondin Linden: [Note: the official status of these answers is not known]
Line 147: Line 158:
* {{Jira|SVC-4149|Meta Issue for Adult content filtering problems}} - "To track any content that has been incorrectly marked as Adult by the search filters"
* {{Jira|SVC-4149|Meta Issue for Adult content filtering problems}} - "To track any content that has been incorrectly marked as Adult by the search filters"


== Other Summaries and Commentary ==
== Commentary ==


* [http://www.slapt.me/wiki/index.php/Main_Page slapt.me Independant Wiki]
* [http://forums.secondlife.com/showpost.php?p=2395717&postcount=3208 Kira Welty's Summary]


* [http://forums.secondlife.com/showpost.php?p=2395717&postcount=3208 Kira Welty's Summary]
* [http://satiateddesires.wordpress.com/2009/04/29/second-life-adult-content-changes-how-theyll-affect-you/ Satiated Desires Blog Summary]
* [http://satiateddesires.wordpress.com/2009/04/29/second-life-adult-content-changes-how-theyll-affect-you/ Satiated Desires Blog Summary]


==Unanswered Questions==
== Footnotes ==
Please refer to the above info for the latest, and update this accordingly.
 
===Definitions of "Public"===
From the "Maturity Ratings" FAQ:
:''Second, we will conduct proactive monitoring and rely on abuse reports that identify adult content or conduct that is promoted or advertised publicly. Where adult content or conduct on a Region is publicly advertised or promoted, that Region must be designated as Adult (or such content must be removed).  We will re-designate such Regions if adult content is not removed.''
 
What does 'adult content or conduct that is promoted or advertised publicly' mean? Is any parcel that shows up in search 'promoted or advertised publicly' regardless of whether the adult content is mentioned in Search ([[Blondin Linden Post 2383239]] implies 'no', but it's not explicitly stated)?
 
It sounds like this is specifically targeting businesses, but there's a huge grey area between "this is a business advertising sex" and "this is a private residence".
====Advertising?====
:'''Blondin Linden''': If someone whats to have a swinger party and invite some friends, there is no problem with that. As long as they don't advertise it, who is going to know what is happening in their own home?
 
What constitutes advertising? Word of mouth?
===Who gets to choose to move?===
Who gets to choose to move?
 
What about people who bought Mature land on the Mainland, since the Mainland is ''not'' being designated as Adult?
====Business Only?====
:'''Blondin Linden''': However, if your <span style="color: brown;">business</span> relies on Adult Content and would be negatively impacted, then there is nothing stopping you from submitting a ticket along with everyone else, explaining your need to move. We'll judge it on a case by case.
 
And if your property in SL "relies on adult content", but it's not a "<span style="color: brown;">business</span>"?
 
===Can we get transcripts of meetings?===
Most of the in-world meetings on this subject have been held in "voice". Transcripts have been promised:
:'''Blondin Linden''': 5) This seems like a good time to remind you that there are several full fledged Deaf communities in SL. Your audio only recordings are not going to be particularly helpful to them. And yes, some of them are quite vested in the adult content argument. Please make text transcripts available of the Brown Bags.
 
:ANSWER: Transcripts will be made available.
 
When will Transcripts be made available?
 
''[[Adult_content#Brown_Bag.2Finworld_meetings|Transcripts are now linked to above.]] <font color="#ff0080">'''- [[Image:Torley-favicon.png]] [[User:Torley Linden|Torley]] on 2009-06-11 @ 9:19 AM PST'''</font>''
 
==Answered Questions==
 
===How about nudity in mature regions? ===
According to [http://forums.secondlife.com/showthread.php?p=2354253#post2354253 this post in the forums] simple nudity, with explicitly depicted but non-erect genitals, is not automatically "adult".
 
::'''Originally Posted by Argent Stonecutter'''
::''Next question: what does "nudity" refer to. Are non-erect prim "naughty bits" considered automatically adult? (Edit: I see other people are bringing this up)
:Not automatically. It depends on what they are doing.
:Hanging out at a nude beach would be fine. Walking around pants-less on the mainland just to expose yourself to others would be inappropriate.
 
===Non-sexual Nudity===
Posted [http://forums.secondlife.com/showthread.php?p=2399231#post2399231 4-21-2009]:
 
'''Ran Garrigus''': So can we again get a clarification on this? Are non-sexualized depictions of nudity (basically, the vendors images most skin makers tend to use) 'Mature' or are they 'Adult'?
 
'''Blondin Linden''': They are mature - NOT adult.
 
===Strip Clubs===
Posted [http://forums.secondlife.com/showthread.php?p=2399239#post2399231 4-21-2009]:
 
#Strip Club would be Mature.
#Strip Clubs that use adult key words in listings and in search would be considered Adult.
#Strip Clubs with sex balls and back room sex areas would be Adult.
 
===PG Land?===
Posted [http://forums.secondlife.com/showthread.php?p=2399689#post2399689 4-21-2009]
:Under the new definitions, activities on PG land will be significantly restricted compared to the existing rules (e.g. a club or bar even with virtual "alcohol" would not violate the current PG definition but under the new definitions would be only permitted on mature land; indeed even streaming a Tom and Jerry cartoon on PG land would be prohibited under the new definitions but would be fine under the existing ones).
 
:Will LL offer free land swaps (to a mature region) to any PG mainland owners who are affected by the new definition of PG?
 
'''Blondin Linden''': The swap will be for those on mainland who are moving to the new adult continent.
 
(no)
 
=== What about shop owners who can't change their keywords ===
Posted [http://forums.secondlife.com/showpost.php?p=2406010&postcount=5465 4-27-2009]
:'''Originally Posted by Argent Stonecutter'''
:What if the words are ones they CAN'T remove from their search tags because they are the ones that describe their plot, the ones their customers use to find them? Why shouldn't they be entitled to move?


'''Blondin Linden''': I never said that they weren't. In fact, these individuals probably would qualify.
<references />


== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[:Category:Adult]]
* '''[[:Category:Adult]]'''


[[Category:Adult]]
[[Category:Adult]]

Latest revision as of 16:43, 24 June 2011

KBwarning.png

This article is obsolete, but kept as a historical record. Do not rely on this information in any way. However, it may be used in the future, so please do not delete or modify.

This page compiles Adult Content info at-a-glance so you can easily see the history of what's happened and better understand what's to come.

During 2009, changes to the way adult content is handled in Second Life were made. The main goal of these changes is control over your experience: if you don't want to see adult content, you have that choice. If you do want to see it, provided you're account-verified, you can. The changes include:

  1. Creating a new region maturity rating of Parcel lght A.png Adult, in addition to the existing Parcel lght G.png General and Parcel lght M.png Moderate,
  2. Changing how the search functions work
  3. Requiring "verification" to access the adult regions and search settings, and
  4. Updating policy (Terms of Service, Community Standards, Knowledge Base articles, etc.) to go with these changes.

To make these changes required updates to the server software (version 1.26 and later) which hosts grid Regions, and the Viewer software (version 1.23 and later) which runs on your local computer.

Adult Content FAQ

For Frequently asked questions about this subject, please see the related Adult Content FAQ page.

Timetable

  1. Initial Announcement - 12 Mar 2009
  2. Release of 1.23 client software - 15 Jun 2009
  3. New Adult mainland opens for visits - 15 Jun 2009
  4. Move tickets for Adult Mainland accepted - 29 Jun 2009 10am Pacific Time to 24 July 2009 10am Pacific Time[1]
  5. Email notifications to landowners - Started 26 Aug 2009
  6. Auction of remaining Adult Mainland regions - Started 8 Sep 2009[2]
  7. End of policy transition period - 15 September 2009 [3]

Region Ratings

Previously there were only two ratings for map regions on the SL Main Grid: PG and Mature, and they were open to anyone to visit. Now there is a new category, Adult, which only "verified" accounts with the right settings activated can visit.

After 15 Sep 2009, publicly promoted Adult Content is supposed to be stored either on Regions on the newly built Zindra mainland "continent" or on private Regions having the Adult Region rating. Estate owners can set their region ratings as they choose, and it is expected they will change or create adult rated regions according to the demand for it.

As of 1 Nov 2009, 1325 private regions were rated Adult, and 348 mainlaind regions (mostly Zindra). Together they represent 5.69% of the 29,409 region total grid area [4]

Zindra Move

Kama City

Previously existing mainland regions will not have their maturity rating changed. Therefore mainland landowners with public adult content will need to either move to the new Zindra continent, which is all adult rated regions, or to Private regions which are rated adult.

Existing venues which were significantly impacted by these adult changes were given a chance to move to Zindra via a Support Ticket, submitted from 29 Jun 2009 until 24 July 2009. Approximately 850 move tickets were submitted. The remaining land on Zindra started to be auctioned by Linden Lab starting 8 Sep 2009. For those who need to migrate to Zindra this link may be helpful:

Maps of Zindra as it has developed can be found on the linked page. The most current map can be found on the SLurl Map page. The initial map of Zindra contained 157 regions. Due to high demand, this was significantly increased during 3-10 July 2009. At least 531 regions have been named, so Zindra could grow that large if there is enough demand for it.

Changes to Search

There are three search functions: Internal to the viewer, and two on the website.

Viewer Search - Starting with version 1.23, there are check boxes in most tabs in Search for PG, Mature, and Adult. This determines what kind of regions your results will come from, and what words may be filtered out of your query. You can choose the checkboxes in different combinations (they are not exclusive), and use different settings on each tab. If you are not "verified", the adult checkbox will not be available (greyed out).

If you do not have the adult checkbox active, certain input words to search will be "filtered". That means they are ignored as if you did not type them, and you get a message about it in the results window. There are a few words which are filtered no matter what setting you use. These refer to banned activities such as ageplay and gambling. An additional 60 or so english words are filtered if you do not have the Adult box active, mostly referring to sexual activities.

search.secondlife.com - Input words are always filtered on this search. Results from Adult regions, and parcels on other regions with the "Mature Content" flag set in About Land are excluded.

maps.secondlife.com - Input words are not filtered on this page. Results from Adult regions, and parcels on other regions with the "Mature Content" flag set in About Land are excluded.

Account Settings

To access Adult Content, you need to "verify" your account. Learn how.

Documentation and Downloads

Numerous changes have been made to Linden documents and software to incorporate the adult content changes. This includes the Community Standards, Knowledge Base, and Wiki.

Community Standards

The Community Standards, which govern behavior in Second Life were updated 25 Jun 2009, although enforcement was delayed until 15 Sep 2009 to allow landowners to move or change their content. In particular item 5: "Adult Regions, Groups, and Listings" was changed.

Knowledge Base

Visit Category:Adult to see Knowledge Base articles on the Wiki about Adult Content.

Viewer Downloads

Note: Some people have trouble running this version of the official Viewer, you may want to check alternate viewers:

Only alternate versions based on the official 1.23 version or later will have all the adult features.

Discussion

Extensive discussion of these changes occurred since they were first announced:

Blog posts

Press releases

Inworld meetings

These are transcripts of "Adult Oriented content controls" meetings.

Forum Threads

Opened 01 May 2009, Closed 01 Jun 2009, 2,864 posts
Opened 31 Mar 2009, Closed 01 May 2009, 7,408 posts
Opened 17 Mar 2009, Closed 31 Mar 2009, 4,676 posts
Opened 12 Mar 2009, Closed 17 Mar 2009, 890 posts
Opened 12 Mar 2009, Closed 17 Mar 2009, 488 posts
Opened 12 Mar 2009, Closed 17 Mar 2009, 365 posts
Opened 12 Mar 2009, Closed 17 Mar 2009, 96 posts
Opened 12 Mar 2009, Closed 17 Mar 2009, 1,044 posts

Forum posts by Blondin Linden: [Note: the official status of these answers is not known]

Issue Tracker

Commentary

Footnotes

  1. ↑ A Zindra Update 3 July 2009
  2. ↑ Jack Linden Official Blog 03 Sep 2009
  3. ↑ Email received 25Aug 2009
  4. ↑ New SL Sims in the past week Tyche Sheperd, 27 Sept 2009.

See also

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