BREAKING: Linden Lab Updates Policies Around Ageplay, Favoritism, Community Relations After Investigation Of Serious Allegations Recently Posted To Social Media

In February I reported that Linden Lab was investigating allegations posted to social media regarding toxic internal company operations among some staffers, which the company publicly confirmed in March.

Now Brad Oberwager, Linden Lab's Executive Chairman, has an update to those investigations which include strengthening regulations against sexualized age play, and policies around favoritism and conflict of interest. Sample:

The investigation determined that all Lindens and contractors have stayed in compliance with our own community guidelines, as well as unwritten, ethical guidelines. I do not make this statement lightly, and I know there will be plenty of discussion. What I can say is that there is no incentive, monetary or otherwise, for me to mislead the community. At some point, the community has to trust that we, the Lindens, do well when the community thrives... 

The findings did highlight opportunities for improvement. As a result, we are making updates to our internal policies to raise the standard for how Linden employees should respectfully engage with community members. This addresses multiple forms of engagement including how we present ourselves, how we interact with the community (even in moments of conflict), and how we minimize the perception of conflict of interest and favoritism in our interactions.  

In this context, "opportunities for improvement" suggests there were external problems with their internal policies.

I asked an insider how those policies should improve, and they told me this:

"Significant partners/spouses should not be reporting to their significant other or spouses; no hiring your own spouse as contractors. Customer Support should be its own division, not reporting to [people involved in the original allegations]."

Related to the company's policies again sexualized age play, they added, Linden staff shouldn't have side businesses which might create a perception of catering to this activity.

"Essentially," they conclude, "policies need to be in place to prevent all the things [which led to the original accusations]."

As to whether these specific suggestions were put in place, we'll have to see.  

Update, 1:50pm: There's a whole huge Reddit /SecondLife mega-thread on this topic here.

Comments note: Please refrain from discussing / naming any specific personnel who may (or may not be) potentially related to this announcement.

Comments

[Chic Aeon]

Thank you for some "inside info". I reposted a clip and a link.

And the beat goes on.

Your web response page here is VERY VERY LAGGY. Maybe that is "good" news.

[sirhc desantis]

Putting aside the 'insider' comments - like that carries any weight even if it is via NWN - didn't a load of unattributable BS fire this up this time round? At least now we have it in a format we can hold the Lab too. i.e not some awful talking avatar head video bollocks. That is something at least.

And yeah I read the TOS changes and gladly accepted.

(PS - reddit hahahahaha)