Senate: Sex Offenders To Register Screen-Names, Online Info

The state Senate passed a bill on Feb. 15 that would require registered sex offenders to register their online identifiers- such as screen names and e-mail addresses-as well as any online accounts. They would also be prohibited from accessing certain websites.

The Electronic Security and Targeting of Online Predators Act, cosponsored by Sen. Kenneth LaValle (R-I-C, Port Jefferson), would require Level 1 and 2 sex offenders to register their e-mail addresses, screen names, social networking website profiles and other online accounts and monikers with the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS).

Level 3 sex offenders, also required to register their online information, would be banned from accessing social networking sites and pornographic sites as well as e-mail and instant messaging services. Sex offenders whose victims were minors would also be blocked from these services, as would offenders who used the Internet to commit their crimes.

The act would give the DCJS the power to release the online identifiers of registered sex offenders to sites such as Myspace and Facebook as well as provide local authorities and other government officials with a notification of potential threats to public safety.

"This measure would update Meghan's Law for the Internet Age by ensuring protections for our children so they can safely surf the Web and protecting people from being victimized," LaValle said in a statement from his office on Feb. 15.

The Electronic Security and Targeting of Online Predators Act has not yet been passed and is currently in the state Assembly for consideration.

By JEAN MICHAEL SALAMANCA
Posted Saturday, February 23, 2008

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