IBM, Velocity, and Chaco team up for identity on the net: http://www.chaco.com/avatar/avatar.html

The real power of Universal Avatars comes from the inclusion of other capabilities into the system. First, consider the implications of embedding a public key, or Netscape certificate, into the Universal Avatar file. By introducing secure communications, the avatar can effect instantaneous financial micro-transactions seamlessly in a virtual world. For example, an avatar could walk through a virtual mall and transparently purchase items. Since his/her profile is under the strict control of the user, s/he could declare an interest in modems. Virtual stores could then automate the process of discovering where the potential customer's interests lie, while keeping the customer's personal information strictly confidential and email address safe from spamming.