Anarchy in cyberspace

FRENCH elections are typically volatile affairs. But when Jean-Marie Le Pen's National Front party (FN) set up a virtual campaign headquarters on Second Life, the internet site where over 2.9 million registered users live a double life, it caused a cyber-riot.

The arrival of the xenophobic party in the "geographical" area of Second Life known as Porcupine sparked protests by outraged virtual characters known as avatars. They protested, waving placards and banners decorated with an unflattering portrait of Mr Le Pen sporting a Hitler moustache.

But the protests soon degenerated into riots, during which anti-Nazi protesters from a group named Second Life Left Unity engaged in running gun-battles with FN supporters and hurled exploding pigs - fortunately only of the virtual variety - at their political opponents.

"The first night I arrived at the protest... it was ringed on all sides by protesters with signs to wave and statements to distribute," wrote Wagner James Au, an onscreen journalist whose website, New World Notes, reports on events in Second Life. "By the second night I came... the conflict had become more literal, for many residents had armed themselves. Multi-coloured explosions and constant gunfire shredded the air of Porcupine."

"This nationalist idea that Front National is advocating is something that has spread all over Europe like a virus," a protester, using the name Ichi Jaehun, told Mr Au. "It's [as if] the history of the 20th century has already been forgotten. It is time to say enough!"

A few days later the FN offices had simply vanished. In the face of such widespread opposition to their presence in Second Life, Mr Le Pen's supporters considered it wise to move to a quieter corner of cyberspace in another Second Life neighbourhood named Axel.

"There was too much anarchy going on over there," said a black FN avatar, Myrtille Chevalier. "We are trying to respond calmly and hope that freedom of expression will win in the end."

"Second Life is a game and not a channel for spreading propaganda," snapped an anti-FN protester.

Created in 2003, Second Life offers the backdrop and tools to shape an alternative universe in which members can build houses, set up businesses, form clubs and societies, hold parties, attend pop concerts and even have sex.

Second Life residents also have their own virtual currency, Linden dollars, which can be used to buy goods and services, including land, buildings, clothes for their online characters, artwork and financial advice

Hoping to reap potential votes in cyberspace, the French Socialist Party (PS) decided to join the FN in the virtual world of Second Life by opening offices there on 13 January. At party headquarters, Sgolne Royal supporters can be seen sporting body-hugging black T-shirts with the slogan "Demain Ne Se Fera Pas Sans Toi" (Tomorrow won't happen without you) emblazoned in large pink letters across their chests. Debates are planned and it is hoped that Ms Royal's avatar will visit the virtual headquarters in the near future.

Vincent Feltesse, who is in charge of "new technologies" at the PS, said that the decision to participate in the site had not been immediate.

"My initial reaction was that a false Sgolne who reigned in Second Life would devalue the political debate. Our point of view evolved," he said.

"The goal is to occupy all possible spaces for dialogue, including virtual worlds. But it isn't at the core of our Internet strategy; it remains fairly marginal in our campaign."

Ms Royal's main rival, right-wing champion Nicolas Sarkozy has no intention of joining Second Life, according to the UMP party.

"For us, the campaign will be conducted in real life, with real people, not avatars. The debate will happen without masks, live," said a spokesman.

POLITICIANS FLOCKING TO THE VIRTUAL WORLD

FRANCE'S National Front (FN) is the first European political party to stake its claim to Second Life's 3D universe.

A spokesman said the party's decision to join was motivated by a desire "to bring together FN members and sympathisers in Second Life" and "to promote the presence of French organisations in virtual worlds monopolised by Anglo-Saxons".

Wolfgang Hayek, an FN atavar, said: "Jean-Marie le Pen [the party leader] is very interested in the internet in general."

French politicians are not the only ones interested in wielding influence in virtual worlds. This month, the US Congress held an opening ceremony in Second Life to coincide with the real event in Washington.

The UK Independence Party could be the first British political group to take the plunge into the virtual - it has pledged to open a headquarters in Second Life.