Amber alerts to run on MySpace
Categories: Teens & tweens, Health & safety, Media, Gadgets & tech, That's entertainment
MySpace, the target of much frustration when it comes to kids' online safety, announced that they are going to start posting Amber alerts.The Amber alert program is used in the US and Canada to broadcast information to the general public about child abductions in the areas where they happen. The MySpace alerts will show up in a small box on user pages that are in the same postal (ZIP) code where the alert is issued. Clicking on the box will bring up more information, such as a description of the suspect and a photo of the missing child.
In addition to adding the Amber alerts, MySpace is making an effort to help protect kids using the service. In order to open an account, new users will have to respond to an email sent to the address they give when signing up for a page, and a new tool will be available to prevent adults from contacting children under 18 (it will also keep minors from contacting adults). Of course, that is only effective if the under-18 users are honest about their age.
MySpace is also working on software that would let parents see the usernames, ages, and locations that are on their kids' profile page, as well as "allow parents to learn of their child's use of MySpace."
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jeremy 1-23-2007 @ 6:37PM
If child wants to visit myspace he will do it :(. Nothing can stop them. I can guess what they can do to protect children from adult content. Some stupid questions about US presidents or football game. If child isn't dumb he always can answer them
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