The Law Of Virtual Worlds And Internet Social Networks

Virtual worlds are the latest manifestation of the internet's inexorable appetite for development. Organisations of all kinds are enthusiastically pursuing the commercial opportunities offered by the growth of this phenomenon. But if you believe that there are no laws which govern internet social networks and virtual worlds this book will persuade you otherwise. There is law, and a good deal of it. Why would there not be? As with many other aspects of the world wide web, this new medium is unregulated and offers many opportunities for companies to damage their reputation, run into a whole host of problems relating to intellectual property, trade marks and copyrights, and compromise the rights of individuals participating within the virtual environment. By reading The Law of Virtual Worlds and Internet Social Networks you will gain a good understanding of the legal issues which govern this expanding and fascinating world - are you ready for the leap from internet plaything to meaningful social and business tool? The Law of Virtual Worlds and Internet Social Networks is an essential reference for advertising and media agencies; television broadcast producers; academic institutions including university law, knowledge and information departments. In fact, it has been written for anyone interested in virtual worlds and social networks whether commercially because you want to explore the possibilities such environments present, or for academic curiosity.

Collecting short thought pieces by some of the leading thinkers on the emerging 'Immersive Internet', Power and Teigland's book questions what a more immersive and intimate internet – based on social media, augmented reality, virtual worlds, online games, 3D internet and beyond – might mean for society and for each of us.

"This book examines the legal realities which are emerging from Massively Multiplayer Online Role-playing Games (MMORPGs) or virtual worlds that demonstrate many of the traits we associate with the Earth world: interpersonal relationships, economic transactions, and organic political institutions"--Provided by publisher.

If you are one of the many who have read about and heard about virtual worlds but do not really understand what a virtual world is, or even how to use appropriate terminology when discussing them, then this is the book for you."--Jacket.

This book describe the Psychology of Social Networking. In order to 'be online', an individual has to create an online presence. This online self is presented in different ways, with diverse goals and aims in order to engage in different social media activities and to achieve desired outcomes. The authors propose a wide overview of the psychology of social networking and the several implications of new media in our lives.

Technical, Social and Legal Issues in Virtual Communities: Emerging Environments examines a variety of issues related to virtual communities and social networking, addressing issues related to team identification, leader-member issues, social networking for education, participation in social networks, and other issues directly related to this eclectic field of study. This publication provides comprehensive coverage and understanding of the social, cultural, organizational, human, and cognitive issues related to the virtual communities and social networking. Readers will find that this book encompasses an overall body of knowledge regarding participation of individuals, groups and organizations in virtual communities and networks, by providing an outlet for scholarly research in the area.

The last ten years have seen the internet and e-commerce emerge as central features of our commercial, social and cultural life. Developments such as Web 2.0, the semantic web, e-government strategies, user generated content, virtual worlds and online social networks have re-shaped the way we communicate, interact and transact. The focus of this book is the regulatory framework of the internet and e-commerce. It considers how the law has developed in the context of rapid technological change and analyses how it is being applied to define rights and obligations in relation to the online infrastructure, content and practices. It offers an extensive, detailed and current analysis of several key areas of internet and e-commerce law which have undergone significant change in recent years: copyright in digital content, patents for software and e-business methods, domain names and trade marks, electronic contracting, privacy, cybercrime, taxation of internet businesses, liability of internet intermediaries and regulation of online content. This new text is essential for business and law students studying Internet and E-Commerce law as well as information technology students and practitioners.