Methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture for imposing security measures in a virtual environment based on user profile information

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention provide techniques for integrating criminal databases with virtual worlds. The real-world identity of a user of a virtual world may be determined, e.g., by the user's network address. The user's identity may be used to search for data records of the user's criminal activities, e.g., from a police database. The retrieved data may be used to determine potential harm to other users of the virtual world from further criminal acts. Actions to prevent potential harm to other users may then be determined, including blocking access or activities available to the user, providing other users with warnings, and monitoring the avatar of the user.