MySpace: Symbolic or Real Protection?

This editorial from the Washington Post presents an unarguable proposition. Something should be done about internet predators- but what? Virginia's attorney general, Robert F. McDonnell (R) proposes to require convicted sex offenders to register their e-mal addresses and other online identifiers. MySpace has already agreed to use the Virginia Registry, which I assume would be enlarged to a national one under the similar federal legislation proposed by McCain and Shumer. But as the Post editorial points out, both the Virginia bill and the federal one rests upon "dubious assumptions" about sex offenders and the chances of effective enforcement.

First, only about a fifth of MySpace users are under 18 years old. And apart from anecdotes, there is no evidence to show that online predators are convicted sex offenders. No statistics- zip. There is no proof that convicted sex offenders are the problem, and what on earth makes McDonnell or anyone else think that a sex offender who is risking prison to exploit children would scruple about changing an email address?

The Post's skepticism is well founded. McDonnell assumes that asking for online identifiers is simply a logical extension of the already rigorous registration requirements for sex offenders, who already file their addresses and must live in restricted areas. Adding online location will make everyone feel better, but will not provide a real layer of extra protection for the vulnerable, and will probably create a nightmare for law enforcement. Kids need protection, but this is not the way. Congress and the state legislators need to do more homework.