Connecticut Attorney General's Office
Press Release
CT Attorney General Calls Social Networking Report "Step Forward," Urges Sites To Immediately Implement Measures To Better Protect Children
Jaunuary 13, 2009
"The report unfortunately downplays the threat of predators -- in relying on research that is outdated or inadequate -- and it fails to provide specific plans to implement technology in improving social networking safety. But it clearly acknowledges and advances technologies to better protect kids from inappropriate content and predators.
"Law enforcement officials know the reality: children are solicited every day on line. All too often, they fall prey. MySpace alone has identified and removed more than 50,000 profiles of convicted, registered sex offenders. For every one of them, there may be countless using false names and ages.
"Technology companies and social networking sites must do more -- and do it now. Blaming the victim is appalling and outrageous.
"Especially significant, the report identifies 40 technologies that can make sites safer now, including age and identity verification tools. What's especially missing from the report is a call to action. We are determined to pursue this fight for social networking safety.
"Parents remain the first line of defense against social networking abuse, and I urge the industry to adopt technology and tools that empower and enable parents to better protect their children."