The 2009 Dutch Convictions on Virtual Theft Conflict Resolution in Virtual Worlds: General Characteristics

VIRTUAL WORLDS AND CRIMINALITY, K. Cornelius & D. Hermann, eds.

12 Pages Posted: 17 Apr 2010

See all articles by Arno R. Lodder

Arno R. Lodder

Vrije Universiteit - Amsterdam Law and Technology Institute, alti.amsterdam

Date Written: April 15, 2010

Abstract

The focus is on virtual conflicts, so conflicts with a origin in the virtual world. First some general characteristics of virtual conflicts are discussed, and in what way these might influence the suitability of particular dispute resolution methods. After this general part, a type of conflict that is really interesting in the context of Virtual worlds and Criminality is discussed: Dutch court cases (Habbo and Runescape) from 2009 on virtual theft are discussed. In the case of the Habbo Hotel online actions and the transfer of virtual objects is qualified as theft. In the Runescape case misbehaviour in the physical world led to the transfer of virtual objects, and also here the judge qualified the eventual transfer of virtual objects as theft. These cases nicely illustrate that virtual disputes are taken seriously by the judiciary.

Keywords: virtual law, internet law, virtual theft, dispute resolution

Suggested Citation

Lodder, Arno R., The 2009 Dutch Convictions on Virtual Theft Conflict Resolution in Virtual Worlds: General Characteristics (April 15, 2010). VIRTUAL WORLDS AND CRIMINALITY, K. Cornelius & D. Hermann, eds., Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1590144 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1590144

Arno R. Lodder (Contact Author)

Vrije Universiteit - Amsterdam Law and Technology Institute, alti.amsterdam ( email )

De Boelelaan 1105
Amsterdam, 1081HV
Netherlands

HOME PAGE: http://alti.amsterdam

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