Constitutional Law

Banning Sex Offenders from MySpace, Facebook?

In the Illinois House, a bill is being considered that would ban registered sex offenders from visiting social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook. The restrictions are intended to protect network users who 'may not know they're dealing with a sex offender,' says bill proponent Rep. Sandra Pihos (R-Glen Ellyn).

Opponents of the law worry that it may be unenforceable. 'If people know they should be a little suspicious and alert about using these sites because we haven't set any rules about them, I think everybody would actually be safer,' said Rep. Julie Hamos (D-Evanston).

Last month, Facebook reported removing over 5,500 users from its service who were discovered to be convicted sex offenders. MySpace has reportedly removed 90,000 sex offenders from its membership.

The proposal follows passage of a similar law last year in Indiana. Other states considering such laws include Minnesota, North Carolina and Connecticut.

Full post as published by ACS Blog on March 09, 2009 (boomark / email).