Virtual Exchanges Get Real

A virtual heist in Second Life spurs some community members to call for oversight and regulation—maybe even the real world kind—of virtual stock markets.

It's here where the virtual begins to blur with the real: Linden Dollars can be swapped on virtual currency exchanges for real U.S. dollars. Though the stolen amount only translates to roughly $40 in real money at recent exchange rates, the heist has spurred many Second Lifers to debate whether these exchanges are just a game or serious business.

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