MySpace, States Make Deal Aimed at Protecting Minors

Jan 16, 08:25 AM

Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson announced Monday a 50- state agreement with the operators of MySpace to help protect children from Internet predators.

The agreement comes after more than two years of discussion between MySpace and state attorneys general.

MySpace agreed to work with the attorneys general to lead an Internet Safety Technical Task Force to develop age- and identity- verification technology.

"We as parents and members of the law enforcement community have to adapt with the ever-changing technology," Edmondson said. "As technology becomes more prevalent, so does the opportunity for predators to utilize it as a tool to track and victimize our children."

He said the agreement should lead to further protection for minors who use the Internet.

MySpace has agreed to develop policies allowing parents to submit children's e-mail addresses to a list prohibiting them from establishing a MySpace account.

The social-networking site will also make the default setting private for Internet profiles of 16- and 17-year-old users. A private setting ensures that only users approved by a profile's owner may view and post comments to a particular profile.

MySpace also agreed to review and respond to inappropriate content and to dedicate resources to educating children and parents about Internet safety.

Edmondson said the collaboration between MySpace and the states should serve as a model for other social-networking sites.

"We must not forget, however, that parents are truly on the front lines in the battle to protect children from Internet predators," he said. "I hope parents will talk to their kids about the dangers of the Internet and monitor Internet use within their own homes."

Originally published by Marie Price.

(c) 2008 Journal Record - Oklahoma City. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved. MySpace, States Make Deal Aimed at Protecting Minors
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