February 21, 2007
Illinois–Social Networking Website Prohibition Act
Posted by Felicia under Library 2.0, News, Social NetworkingSaw this rather scary post over on Michael Stephens’ Tame the Web:
http://libraryjournal.com/article/CA6417241.html
While the Democrat-controlled Illinois General Assembly may not be too receptive to new social networking legislation proposed by freshman Republican Senator Matt Murphy, the bill may be the first in several state attempts to achieve the goals of the federal Deleting Online Predators Act (DOPA), which passed the House of Representatives but failed in the Senate. The Social Networking Website Prohibition Act would require public libraries to prohibit access to social networking web sites, including MySpace and many less controversial, on all publicly accessible computers, including those used by adults, and also would prohibit access by students in schools.
This is really very disturbing for me, especially since I spend quite a bit of personal time on various social networking sites. I recognize that MySpace has problems with inappropriate content and privacy, but there are so many other sites that don’t deserve to be labeled the same.
For example, a family member just introduced me to Geni, a free social networking/family-tree maker, and I’m spending lots of time there helping other family members fill out our tree. If this legislation passed, and I was an Illinois resident, I would likely be prohibited from using this site in the library. Think of all the genealogists that we serve on a regular basis.
Ironically, Illinois Senator Barack Obama launched his very own social networking site, as part of his bid for the Presidency, that includes blogs, personal profiles, “friend” connections, etc. (Think MySpace with a political focus and without the questionable photos.) I wonder if his home state will block his site if this new legislation is passed?
February 21, 2007 at 5:58 pm
I’m glad you alerted me to this foolish view. I use social networking as part of our therapeutic approach to addiction. The way web2 applications are made - many web sites will fall under that name. Please help us keep up with this issue.
Thanks
An invitation to my social network can be found on my site.
March 7, 2007 at 4:06 am
I think that discussion of these issues is vital to educating teens and young adults about the dangers AND the incredible opportunities that exist with social media. Unfortunately, many people don’t fully understand the amazing impact that social media has had on society and that the MySpacers and corporate America (who will redirect a large amount of their advertising dollars and marketing resources to the web) will greatly change every aspect of a person’s life. Social media is the body language of the Internet. I have launched a new website called Social-Legislation.com to discuss these issues. You are more than welcome to post your comments there and if you support the SAVE YOUR SPACE petition, please sign that too.
March 8, 2007 at 10:43 am
Here is another issue I think you should be aware. I copied from a site note on the bottom of the piece. I plan to write a post in regards.
On March 19th, the Supreme Court will hear a case in which they will be asked to outlaw ALL SPEECH in high schools concerning drugs or drug policy!
The following activities could be banned:
• Writing a paper on the history of drug prohibition.
• Debating marijuana legalization on a debate team.
• Questioning the school’s drug testing policy.
• Anything that could be construed as promoting illegal drugs.
Dozens of students will rally at the Supreme Court to tell the Justices to preserve free speech for students. Will you be one of them?
Background:
In 2002, Juneau-Douglas High School student Joseph Frederick and his friends unfurled a large banner that read “BONG HITS 4 JESUS” as the Olympic Torch passed his high school.
When the principal of the high school asked the students to take down the banner, all complied except Frederick, who asserted his First Amendment rights. Morse grabbed and crumpled the banner and suspended Frederick.
Frederick sued and initially lost, but then won in the 9th Circuit court. The school board has appealed the case to the Supreme Court, led by attorney Kenneth Starr (known primarily to the public for his role as special counsel in the Monica Lewinski case), who is essentially arguing for a drug exception to free speech right in public schools.
Because a ruling against Frederick could effectively ban all speech regarding drugs or drug policy, SSDP submitted an Amicus Curiae brief on behalf of the student (PDF), and plans to rally students at the Supreme Court on March 19th…
Pasted from