Published: May 09, 2008 03:02 pm            

Protection from predators — Attorneys general insulating Facebook

While dangers to youths still abound on the Internet, parents can now breathe a sigh of relief with the implementation of new safeguards to the world’s second-most popular social networking site, Facebook.

The new initiatives are designed to protect youth from predators, cyber bullies and inappropriate content, Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell announced Thursday on behalf of his counterparts in 49 states and the District of Columbia.

The Facebook changes come in the wake of an agreement for tighter safety measures. earlier this year between several states and MySpace, the largest social networking site.

In announcing the news, McDonnell thanked Facebook for agreeing to the partnership, and called the safeguards “another positive step in our ongoing work to forge effective public-private partnerships in the effort to better safeguard children on the Internet.”

Among the new safety changes are automatic warning messages when a child is in danger of giving out personal information to an unknown adult, restrictions on the ability of users to change their listed ages and a more aggressive stance in removing inappropriate content and groups from the site. All third-party vendors of Facebook will also be required to adhere to the safety policies.

Additionally, Facebook has agreed to maintain a list of pornographic websites and sever any links to such sites. According to McDonnell’s office, the social networking site will also remove groups for incest, pedophilia, cyber bullying and other violations of the terms of services, and expel individual violators of those terms.

It is a sickening knowledge that certain segments and individuals in our society have regressed to the point of stalking children and teens on the Internet in an attempt to gratify their perverted nature.

Parents can not ignore this danger, and must be diligent in monitoring their children’s online activities. However, there’s also no doubt families can use all the help they can get in protecting their children from pedophiles and other deviants.

With this factor in mind, we are encouraged by the efforts of so many attorney generals across the nation who have stepped up to the plate to lobby for increased safety on behalf of parents.

Parents may ultimately be responsible for their children, but as a country that prides itself on its label as a world leader, it is up to all of us to help ensure the safety of our up-and-coming generation.

With overwhelming support from a concerned society, our nation has put sexual predators on notice that their behavior will not be tolerated online, or elsewhere.

The momentum on improved safety for our children is moving in a positive direction. Now we must all do our part to keep the ball rolling.

        

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