CopyBot

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CopyBot is a controversial debugging tool used to access the virtual world Second Life. It duplicates items in the Second Life world and later revisions with disregard of the permissions granted by the creator or owner.

Contents

[edit] Intended applications

CopyBot was originally created as a debugging tool by the libsecondlife development team[1][2], and was created with such purposes in mind as an import/export or "backup" tool, or to assist in the development of AIs and NPCs.[1][3]

Possible uses of the import/export function:[2][4]
  • No reliance on Linden Lab for data backup services.
  • Importing content created on other grids such as the preview grid (currently Aditi, previously Siva).[5]
  • Importing content created on a locally installed simulator (and thus not having to rely upon the availability of official simulators).
  • Exporting one's own intellectual property to other environments.

These intended official applications require creator and owner permission, and a response to a disclaimer before content can be copied.[2]

[edit] Unofficial application

The source-code for the official CopyBot was made available via the libsecondlife website. It was downloaded, edited and recompiled into the controversial application which was used to replicate objects and avatar appearances without permission.[6][7]. This activity stimulated a emotional discussion in the Second Life community and numerous articles in the popular media. Residents also began selling links to the software in exchange for Linden Dollars[3] (L$), Second Life's virtual currency.[8]

CopyBot does not operate within the Second Life virtual world. It is written in C#[9], not LSL. Distribution of the software is via third-party sites and services such as SL Exchange.

[edit] Public reaction to CopyBot

  • Resident outcry and virtual protests quickly followed a meeting on November 13, 2006 after Linden Lab met with residents to discuss the use of Copybot.[7][3][10]
  • Several Second Life merchants are threatening to close up shop unless CopyBot is blocked by Linden Lab. The possibility of CopyBot's technical removal is still being disputed.[7][6]
  • Moopf Murray claims to have been the subject of abuse and harassment from other Second Life Residents due to a product he created being used by the Residents selling links to the unofficial copybot program (the other Residents used a vendor created by Moopf).[11]
    • Moopf later claims to have had an official Abuse Report sanction filed against him by Linden Lab[12]

[edit] Official Linden Lab statements

  • Cory Linden announced that using CopyBot or similar tools was in violation of Second Life's Terms of Service.[13]
    • You agree to use Second Life as provided, without unauthorized software or other means of access or use. You will not make unauthorized works from or conduct unauthorized distribution of the Linden Software.[14]
  • Despite the large volume of complaints left in the two CopyBot related blog entries,[7][13] as of November 16, 2006, Linden Lab reported that that had received only slightly more than 50 official complaints relating to the malicious use of CopyBot.[15]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Yamamoto, Baba (November 13, 2006). CopyBot. Retrieved on November 21, 2006.
  2. ^ a b c Yamamoto, Baba (November 15, 2006). libsecondlife and CopyBot. Retrieved on November 21, 2006.
  3. ^ a b c Au, Wagner James (November 16, 2006). Copying a Controversy. Retrieved on November 21, 2006.
  4. ^ Martin, SignpostMarv (November 15, 2006). Open Forum: CopyBot Controversy. Retrieved on November 21, 2006.
  5. ^ Community: Beta Test Grid. Linden Lab. Retrieved on November 21, 2006.
  6. ^ a b Terdiman, Daniel (November 15, 2006). 'Second Life' faces threat to its virtual economy. News.com. Retrieved on November 16, 2006.
  7. ^ a b c d Linden, Robin (November 13, 2006). Copyrights and Content Creation in Second Life. Linden Lab. Retrieved on November 21, 2006.
  8. ^ LindeX: Currency Exchange. Linden Lab. Retrieved on November 21, 2006.
  9. ^ libsecondlife FAQ. libsecondlife. Retrieved on November 21, 2006.
  10. ^ Au, Wagner James (November 14, 2006). Open Form: CopyBot Controversy. Retrieved on November 21, 2006.
  11. ^ Murray, Moopf (November 14, 2006). Open Forum: CopyBot Controversy. New World Notes. Retrieved on November 21, 2006.
  12. ^ Murray, Moopf (November 15, 2006). Open Forum: CopyBot Controversy. New World Notes. Retrieved on November 21, 2006.
  13. ^ a b Linden, Cory (November 14, 2006). Use of Copybot and Similar Tools a ToS Violation. Linden Lab. Retrieved on November 16, 2006.
  14. ^ Terms of Service. Linden Lab. Retrieved on November 21, 2006.
  15. ^ Linden, Daniel (November 16, 2006). CopyBot Action. Linden Lab. Retrieved on November 21, 2006.

[edit] External links

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org../../../c/o/p/CopyBot_dfb0.html"