May 22nd, 2024
In light of the discussions at the Governor User Group on the 9th and the roundtable on the 20th, the following directives have been established:
The modesty layer must be directly printed onto the skin texture.
All avatars representing individuals under 18 years of age must wear these skins.
The deadline to comply with these regulations is June 30th.
Introduction:
We are not opposed to the modesty layer.
As we have previously stated, default underwear has always been available and encouraged on our bodies, along with other measures to eliminate details in private areas. We are therefore supportive and pleased that this is being mandated as a common rule.
We like the idea so much that we believe it should also be applied to adult avatars, at least in G-rated regions, because during rezing, mesh clothing often loads slowly, briefly exposing avatars completely nude.
Additionally, redoing all the skins is not a major issue, as it can be resolved in a day or two (for example, ToddleeDoo completed this task over a week ago).
Our goal is the successful implementation of this new rule because we believe it is useful and potentially very effective if applied correctly.
Reasons for advocating the use of a BOM modesty layer:
Applicable on every mesh body: Many users (≃11-18 years old) use mesh bodies designed for adult avatars, sometimes with add-ons to flatten the chest, in order to access a wider variety of contents, not necessarily inappropriate.
Make user accountable: Placing the responsibility on creators shifts accountability away from users, who might then use the skins (legitimately available) inappropriately, such as using skins designed for boys on girl avatars (without a bra) or skins intended for adult mesh bodies (see point 1).
Identifying violators: Making users responsible for always wearing a modesty layer makes it easier to identify infringers. If a resident is found without underwear, they are clearly violating the rules and can be potentially banned.
Right now: The rule is applicable now, without excuses or evasions or waiting.
Reliability of BOM: BOM (Bakes on Mesh) is an internal platform technology that effectively bake the modesty layer onto the skin. It is stable against rezing failures or delays and Resident derendering, showcasing Second Life's technical capability to provide a secure platform.
Not be removed: BOM clothing can be removed, but only through the user's active decision, exactly as a skin can be replaced with a non-modest one anytime.
Adaptability: Creating standardized skins for different age ranges could lead to paradoxes and grey areas, such as skins for 'children' having bras for infants or tweener bodies with bare torsos. What we want is for each age representation to have a modest appearance, and for the user embodying that representation to adhere to this "dressing code".
Impact on stakeholders: Portraying children content creators, who have brought perhaps one of the most innocent and cute alternatives to the platform, as guilty, and making them appear to be against such a perfectly acceptable measure as the 'modesty layer' it doesn't help depict second life as a reliable platform for stakeholders. We are here to collaborate and show how non-explicit second life contents are safe and consistent
Conclusion:
In a world where virtual worlds are gaining increasing public interest, it is desirable that Second Life, perhaps the most active and certainly the most experienced and potential-rich platform, sets a positive trend and establishes itself.
It is realistic to think that virtual worlds are primarily intended for an adult RL audience, and therefore capable of hosting content with varying levels of maturity.
However a broader population might not primarily appealed by the mere explicit and erotic contents, but possibly by the social and exploring experiences that a platform of this kind can offer, and on this purpose we can set "safe zones" for all.
This is our hope and the reason why we are here to discuss with you, hoping once again that our experience can be of help.