Terrorists in WoW? You're kidding, right?

I'm speechless:

The US government has begun a project to develop ways to spot terrorists who are using virtual worlds. link

The article on the BBC's website is one of many dedicated to the emerging story of our nation's national security apparatus spinning itself into a virtual frenzy (sorry, I couldn't resist) over the possibility of evil-doer's using WoW or SecondLife to plan for an execute attacks in the real world. Some researcher actually got the government to pony up money for him to get a full-time job playing WoW. Please, someone tell me this is a joke. I'm sorry, that sharp stabbing pain in your forehead is what massive, funded stupidity feels like.

There are so many things wrong with this plan that I'm having a hard time keeping track of them all:

1. All of the most popular MMORPG and SL have a recurring monthly fee. That means you need a credit card. A credit card means you need (wait for it.... wait for it...) a credit card account. This gives law enforcement a terrific head start in trying to track down the alledged perpetrators. Remember, for a terrorist cell to use these techniques, every member of the cell would need an account... every account would need a bogus credit card that continued to be funded month after month. Does anyone else see any problems with this? Ok.. sticklers for details might argue that in SL's case there are other forms of payment but by and large, those also involve registration and connection to a bank account.
   
   
2. WoW, Runescape and virtually all MMORPGs don't allow the users to upload content. SL does but its the exception. Without the ability to upload content (things like maps, plans, diagrams, etc.) these virtual worlds become nothing more than very expensive and very difficult email or instant messaging systems. It is far far far easier to create fake and free email and IM accounts on other platform than virtual worlds.
   
   
3. These games and virtual worlds are amongst the most processor and graphics intensive applications available for Macs and PCs... does the US government really think that terrorists are continuing to keep their hardware up to date in order to be using these systems. It just begs belief.
   
   
4. High speed connections are always required. Wouldn't it make more sense to plan meetings and exchange messages using disposable cell phones that can be purchased with cash? Low tech is more prevalent so its use by disadvantaged groups would be more relevant.
   
   
5. These platforms have a significant learning curve. No self respecting terrorist wants to be referred to as a noob because he can't edit his appearance or doesn't know how to /dance.
   
   
6. All of the VWs utilitize extensive logging for technical support, griefing and loot/goods transfer. Any evil-doer that uses these system would have to know that they were leaving tracks all over the place with every mouse stroke. They might not care if they were going to be fed honeyed cakes by 67 virgins but it does increase the risk of capture and failure prior to their big date with destiny.

If you'd like to stay on top of this, just google the project's name .