A little bit lengthy to post the entire article, but it really should be read completely before getting too far afield with snap comments:

WP: Does virtual reality need a sheriff?

[extracted]

Reach of law enforcement is tested when online fantasy games turn sordid

By Alan Sipress
The Washington Post
Updated: 1:30 a.m. CT June 2, 2007

UNITED NATIONS - Earlier this year, one animated character in Second Life, a popular online fantasy world, allegedly raped another character.

Some Internet bloggers dismissed the simulated attack as nothing more than digital fiction. But police in Belgium, according to newspapers there, opened an investigation into whether a crime had been committed. No one has yet been charged.

Then last month, authorities in Germany announced that they were looking into a separate incident involving virtual abuse in Second Life after receiving pictures of an animated child character engaging in simulated sex with an animated adult figure. Though both characters were created by adults, the activity could run afoul of German laws against child pornography, prosecutors said.

[end extract]

Japanese authorities have already tried and convicted one "virtual criminal" for muggings in a "virtual world." (He was selling the "virtual property" he stole in the real world.)

The FBI, at the invitation of "Second Life" created "investigator avatars" and toured the virtual casinos to make sure no laws were being broken.

etc.

Yes, they really are serious, and concerned, about all this. ... I think ... maybe ... or ... ?????

John