The " MySpace " internet site, a popular social networking place for kids, has agreed to make some changes to help prevent misuse by sexual predators. Bob Brammer, a spokesman for Iowa’s Attorney General, says the top lawmakers of many states had concerns about the site — which led to the agreement to make changes.
Brammer says the site has taken many steps including strengthening the software that verifies the ages of users, they going to allow parents to submit kids e-mail addresses to prevent those kids from signing up for MySpace, they’re going to handle complaints much faster and work with law enforcement." Brammer says the agreement will go beyond the MySpace site in trying to make improvements.
Brammer says one of the big things MySpace will do is take the lead in setting up an "internet safety technical task force" that will work with other "social networking" sites and the Attorney’s General to improve the other sites as well. Brammer says a couple of things emerged as problems for children who use the site.
"The sites can be misused by sexual predators as a way to get to children…and also children can get access to inappropriate or pornographic content, and both of those things are being addressed by this agreement," Brammer says. While the website is taking action, Brammer says parents still need to be vigilant in watching their kids.
Brammer says the Attorney General believe parents are the most important protective measure in guarding kids from internet predators. Brammer says parents should talk with kids about the dangers of on-line predators and keep an eye on the sites kids are visiting. For more information on the agreement, visit the Attorney General’s website.