Congress vs. MySpace

Last month, this site pointed out the possibility that the increasing number of school bans of MySpace might expand to other public access points, such as libraries. Now, Congress is considering a bill that would require most schools and libraries to make social networking sites inaccessible to minors.

According to CNET News, the Deleting Online Predators Act (DOPA)

"would cordon off access to commercial Web sites that let users create public "Web pages or profiles" and also offer a discussion board, chat room, or e-mail service.

That's a broad category that covers far more than social-networking sites such as Friendster and Google's Orkut.com. It would also sweep in a wide range of interactive Web sites and services, including Blogger.com, AOL and Yahoo's instant-messaging features, and Microsoft's Xbox 360, which permits in-game chat.

[The bill] is part of a new, poll-driven effort by Republicans to address topics that they view as important to suburban voters."

As previously posted on this site, MySpace’s reputation is the primary obstacle to its financial success. It’s certainly not a good sign that the site has now become a political rallying point.

For more information, see Congress targets social network sites on CNET News.

Update (5/11/2006):  MySpace bill prompts blogger backlash on Blogma.

Update (5/22/2006):  Legislation: Schools, Libraries No Place for Internet 'Friends' to Meet on E-Commerce Times and The slippery slope has slipped - new legislation to block more MySpace et al at libraries and schools on LibraryLaw Blog.

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