Google's virtual world cross-over Lively — it's part Second Life, part chat room — is supposed to be a safe, fun space for Internet nerds to geek out over their latest obsession, whether it be the iPhone or some new limited edition action figure. It is not, as far as Google's original intentions would suggest, a place for Internet trolls to gather for live sex shows. Except that's what's been happening.

Despite some injunctions to the contrary, sexual overtones are creeping into Google's cross between a chat room and Second Life.

"We've received complaints about recently created 'sex rooms' in Lively, and we take these complaints seriously," Google said on its Lively group. "Our community standards prohibit sexually explicit images and rooms intended for sexual activity, even if virtual. When we become aware of 'sex rooms' that violate or Terms of Service, we'll work to remove them."

A little snooping around revealed some evidence of borderline rooms, but nothing as risque as shows in the more permissive realm of Second Life.

"So the girls are hidden in here," griped one avatar in one room called SEXY & HOT Monday morning. "Show up," ordered another. There wasn't much in the way of naughty pictures beyond the welcome screen, but some posters in the room linked to girl.cb-w.com, a Web site that sells a guide about "How To Approach Any Woman, Anywhere And Know Exactly What To Say To Get Her To Give You Her Number And Go On A Date With You - NOW."

Another room, called porn place, seemed fairly tame–even the YouTube video playing on the bottom of the pool. Other rooms were called Sexo Virtual, sexy babes, and BDSM Espana.

[Cnet]