Patent ID: 8051462

Claim:
A system for providing secure communications in a virtual universe, comprising: a request/acceptance system for allowing a first avatar and a second avatar in the virtual universe to request and/or accept a secure communication mode with each other, wherein the request/acceptance system includes a detection system that automatically detects an unsecure communication occurring in the virtual universe between the first avatar and the second avatar, determines whether the unsecure communication between the first avatar and the second avatar appears to be of a sensitive nature that may be more suited to be conducted in the secure communication mode, and automatically prompts the first avatar and the second avatar to continue the communication in the secure communication mode; a system for initiating a secure session within the virtual universe between the first avatar and the second avatar in response to the first avatar and the second avatar expressing a desire to continue the communication in the secure communication mode; and a characteristics alteration system that alters a feature of the virtual universe to effectuate the secure communication mode.