It seems that in the era of constant surveillance not even players can feel safe. According to The Guardian, the US National Security Agency (NSA) for several years has been monitoring conversations and messages sent in World of Warcraft, Second Life and Xbox Live.
The Guardian reports that the US National Security Agency (NSA) has been spying on players in World of Warcraft, Second Life and the Xbox Live service since 2008. For the NSA, these are potential tools for contact between terrorists.
It is not known what is the scale of monitoring of the mentioned games and the Xbox Live service. However, the NSA is of the opinion that the social and communication options they offer could be an ideal way for terrorists to safely (although only in theory) contact each other. In May 2008, World of Warcraft players were reportedly tracked for links to Islamic extremism or illegal arms dealing.
World of Warcraft a meeting place for terrorists?
The Guardian asked interested parties to comment on this matter. Microsoft and Philip Rosedale (creator of Second Life and former CEO of Linden Lab) have not taken any position. Blizzard, on the other hand, claims it knew nothing about any surveillance. If it did happen, it was done without the developer's involvement.
NSA representatives decided not to comment on the above information. A representative of GCHQ (the British secret service that cooperated with the NSA in this case) was a bit more specific. He said that he "cannot confirm or deny" these revelations, but at the same time assured that all actions of the NSA and GCHQ are fully legal and the agencies are acting in accordance with the law.
