US Seeks To Block Social Networking Sites

In the wake of the recent controversies surrounding social networking sites like MySpace, the US parliament has proposed a law seeking to ban these sites in schools and libraries. The proposed ‘Deleting Online Predators Act’ (DOPA) introduced by Congressman Michael Fitzpatrick was approved by a large majority in the House of Representatives on July 26 but needs approval from the senate for it to become a law, due early August. The Act requires schools and libraries (federal institutions that received funding for computers and net access via the US E-Rate scheme) to block access to social networking sites where children or teenagers may be vulnerable to “unlawful sexual advances”. Among the sites which are not permitted are MySpace, Bebo, Facebook, Friendster which will be denied to kids without adult supervision. Many private schools in the US and UK have already banned sites like these over fears that the children are at risk owing to the amount of information they are posting on the sites. Critics point out that the act is too broad and could mean a huge number of websites like Slashdot, Amazon, blogging sites, wikis and news organizations are cut off. Another point of criticism is that since the Children’s Internet Protection Act already requires libraries to block objectionable net content for children, the DOPA is unnecessary and redundant. Meanwhile, in a feeble response, MySpace users have started an online petition called ‘Save Your Space’ to fight the law.