Internet opens doors for predators
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The violation of probation allegations against Pamela Rogers brings to the forefront the ease at which convicted sex offenders can use the Internet to reach potential victims throughout the world. Rogers posted a personal profile on MySpace.com that had what appeared to be direct messages to her victim.
It?s with exactly that in mind, District Attorney Dale Potter wants the state to enact tougher laws concerning convicted sex offenders and their use of the Internet.
?After seeing her Web site, I think the Legislature needs to look at banning any convicted sex offender from the Internet,? said Potter. ?It?s no secret who she was talking to.?
While it?s too late to get new rules passed this legislative session, state Rep. Charlie Curtiss says it should certainly be a priority next year.
?The Internet is a way to make contact with victims so it?s certainly something the Legislature should look at,? said Curtiss. ?The hard thing will be policing it. Most people aren?t going to be as dumb as this teacher and have their own Web site.
?With technology and aliases and things like that, I?d say it will be hard to track some of them down. But it would be a case where if we did find them, it would be a way to take them off the street.?
The Web site where Rogers allegedly posted her information, MySpace.com, has recently come under fire itself due to safety concerns from parents, school and law enforcement officials. They contend the site makes children vulnerable to pornographers and sexual predators, who visit the teen-based chat room.
Because of those pressures, MySpace.com announced this week it is hiring a former federal prosecutor to be its chief security officer. Hemanshu Nigam, director of consumer security outreach and child safe computing at Microsoft Corp., will now oversee safety, education and law enforcement affairs for MySpace.
MySpace.com also announced it is starting an ad campaign that will be run on several Web sites and TV stations. The ads will caution young people to be more skeptical of strangers who approach them online.
MySpace.com is not the only online social network for teens, however it has gained the most attention because of its 65 million members.