New scrutiny for Facebook over predators

Like MySpace, social network is being subjected to accusations that it does not do enough to keep sexual predators away.
The New York Times

The story "New scrutiny for Facebook over predators" published July 30, 2007 at 5:56 AM is no longer available on CNET News.

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[Professor Cornbread]

Facebook used to be "Safe"...

...until they allowed for open registration, that is. It was also safer when they had a high school Facebook and a college Facebook seperate. You used to have either an .edu university email address or a .state.us for high schools. Problem solved, no-one over 18 (faculty excepted) has a school email, and no one younger than 18 (few exceptions) has a .edu email. Preditors couldn't register to see profiles.

Then they allowed for open registration and everything went to hell, seriously, what did they really expect?

[MosX]

Re: Facebook used to be "Safe"...

True, but there's no other way to grow besides opening it up, and they already took some steps to make sure it's still somewhat safe by making the profiles private by default. There's no easy solution to the problem.

[dayebreak]

State Sanctioned Censorship

First, they opened up the site because they were getting their ass kicked by Murdoch, who will probably buy them out.
Second, MySpace is also lobbying, and trading favors for email and online identifier laws that won't work, and don't address the issues. Email addresses are not like phone numbers, and registered sex offenders are less than 10% of the suspects committing social networking sexual assaults on minors.
Third, using a non-public government database to deny condition free RSOs the right to engage in online free speech is censorship. Facebook is following Murdoch's lead, but Murdoch has more experience buying politicians and manipulating the media.

[gggg sssss]

Facebook can censor what they want

its their site. If the pervs dont like it, let them go elsewhere. If you and they want to be free to cyber-molest, then you and they are free to start your own website.