First Japanese Politician Enters Second Life

MP Kan Suzuki decided to set up an office in the virtual world from which he could discuss policies and give speeches to Second Life's politically minded users in a bid to deliver his message and ultimately boost his popularity.

However, according to a BBC report, Suzuki's actions may be illegal as they appear to infringe upon Japan's 50 year old Public Office Election law. The law contains strict stipulations relating to campaigning practices, stating that that websites cannot be created or updated during the official period of campaigning for elections. The distribution of text and images during campaigns is also apparently limited to postcards and pamphlets.