Abstract: The present invention teaches methods for applying an avatar behavior rule within a virtual universe environment. An avatar behavior rule and a violation threshold for the rule are defined for a virtual universe environment. The behavior of a collective plurality of avatars within the virtual universe is monitored for compliance with the rule, including determining an amount of compliance with the rule and comparing the compliance amount with the violation threshold. If the compliance amount exceeds the violation threshold, then the rule or the violation threshold is revised until the monitored behavior of the collective plurality of avatars within the virtual universe is in compliance with the rule, and in effect does not exceed the violation threshold. Service methods, articles of manufacture comprising a computer readable program, systems, articles and programmable devices for performing one or more method and/or process elements of the current invention are also provided.

Abstract: Methods, services, articles of manufacture comprising computer readable programs, systems, articles and programmable devices are provided for customizing an avatar behavior rule within a virtual universe environment as a function of individual avatar data. It is determined whether the activity of an avatar is relevant to a behavior rule for a virtual universe. If the activity is determined to be relevant to the rule, the rule is customized for the avatar as a function of individual avatar data associated with the avatar, and it is determined whether the activity exceeds a violation threshold of the customized rule. If the activity is determined to exceed the customized rule violation threshold, an appropriate action is taken as specified by the customized rule.