...yeah, because no one has ever had their account on an online game hacked, or been impersonated by someone with an 1 instead of an l in their name. I would totally conduct business with my WoW avatar.

... don't be so literal. I didn't say we should just use avatars as they are today, nor has anyone I talked to. It's the concept that's interesting here, not the existing code.

I really don't see the average American feeling safe using a video game character to do their banking.

I already use a pseudonym (self-created user name) to log into my bank account online, and another one to participate on this forum. And I already have a P.O. box to obscure my street address from companies. And I already have multiple free email addresses not linked to any other of my info... is this what you mean by "avatars"? Just concealing my identity?

Because otherwise I can't see how introducing a layer of 3D software is going to make my source info any safer. Any layer of software controlled by someone else (coded, maintained, etc.) is going to leave my info vulnerable.

I really can't see how avatars are going to help much... maybe dermal implants, or biometric-based passwords would -- but these too are devices with software created and maintained by a team of people unknown to me.

Overall it seems to me that theft (whether of identity, money, photos, or any other property) is impossible to completely prevent, whether online or on the street. The most important digital tools would allow me to discover and even track theft. The enforcement of laws is up to government, so whether I like it or not, I have to trust those potentially corrupt border agents -- unless I want to go off in the woods somewhere and start my own country, which sounds like way too much work.

Why do Salon peeps have such guff with second life. I'll agree, it's not infinitely entertaining (or at all.... for me at least) and is a glorifies chat room unless you really want to do graphic design or write questionalble code, but you guys can't go one week without sticking it to the ol' SL. Some sort of furry-hatred... anti-furrites?

might be expensive, though

You simply appropriate an avatar and commit online crimes with it. Everyone will think it's someone else.