Fergie's Tech Blog

Deleting Online Predators Act: Quit the Fear-Mongering

Rob Hof writes on Businessweek's "The Tech Beat":

From the Don't They Have Better Things to Do? Dept:

The appropriately acronymed DOPA is supposed to protect children from online predators, but the poorly written law seems to be more aimed at protecting incumbent politicians. I'm sure there are predators trolling MySpace and other online social networks, but I can't believe these lawmakers really think this is going to make much difference.

Meanwhile, Congress is asleep at the switch on much more important issues, such as the National Security Agency conducting warrantless eavesdropping and collection of phone records. It's easy to criticize legislators who must contend with parental worries about online safety for their kids. But craven bills like this only distract people from solving real problems.

posted by Fergie @ 5/12/2006 11:51:00 AM