Son of DOPA
p2pnet.net news:- Shades of Ted ‘Net Tubes‘ Stevens’ unlamented Deleting Online Predators Act (DOPA) of 2006, what CNET News is describing as a “broad new effort at blocking so-called social-networking Web sites on computers in public schools and libraries” in Illinois is now doing the rounds.
It’s the Social Networking Website Prohibition Act, introduced by senator Matt Murphy.
“The bill was likely modeled after the U.S. House of Representatives’ controversial Deleting Online Predators Act, which was approved by a 410-15 vote last summer but died before Senate consideration,” says the story. “But in some ways, the Illinois language appears to be more sweeping.”
The proposal, “would apply to social-networking sites on all publicly accessible library computers – apparently without regard for whether the user was a child – and on all computers ‘made available’ to students at public schools,” says CNET’s Anne Broache.
“The Illinois bill also does not define the term ’social networking site,’ leaving the state’s top library and school officials to iron out the specifics of any new rules. The state attorney general would be allowed to file suit against violators.”
Already restricting access
Principals say such legislation isn’t necessary, says the Chicago Tribune, going on, “They’re already restricting access to social sites like MySpace because they interfere with education.
“Murphy’s bill has yet to get a hearing and may quickly and quietly die, but it is representative of attempts nationally and in other states to deal with growing fears of online sexual predators.”
State officials in Georgia and North Carolina have recently called for sites like MySpace to require minors to get parental consent, says the story.
But as it.also observes, ” While MySpace gets lots of attention, there are hundreds of mundane social networking sites that specialize in everything from tips on homework to communication between overseas soldiers and their families.”
Son of DOPA
Meanwhile, Stevens’ DOPA is back again, this time dubbed S.49, and it, “smells strangely of DOPA,” says Ars Technica, continuing, “In fact, Title II of the newly-proposed bill is not-so-ambiguously titled ‘Deleting Online Predators Act of 2007.’
“Like the previous DOPA bill, DOPA Jr. seeks to restrict access of social networking sites and chat rooms from use within schools and libraries in hopes of Protecting the Childrenâ„¢ from online child predators. Once again, the bill’s definition of what constitutes such sites is extremely broad, and no different than the definition from the previous bill.”
But when you get down to the crunch, how much good will it actually do when it comes those it’s supposed to ‘protect’?
“Children are pretty crafty, and have proven that they will go to extra lengths to get access to the sites that they want access to, even if that means going behind adults’ backs,” says Ars Technica’s Jacqui Cheng.
“I did it (easily) when I was a kid – sorry Mom – so I can only imagine how much more savvy kids have become since then.”
Stay tuned.
Also See:
Net Tubes – Ted Stevens on Net Neutralit, July 4, 2006
CNET News – Bill would ban social-networking sites in Illinois public schools, libraries, February 15, 2005
Chicago Tribune – Bill limits Web sites at schools, libraries, February 16, 2005
Ars Technica – Deleting Online Predators Act reappears for 2007 February 16, 2005
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