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First, libraries were forced to start filtering out obscene content in 2000. Then came the Patriot Act, which granted the government the right to examine the books you checked out and the sites you visited on a library's public computers. Now, lawmakers are trying to ban children from accessing MySpace and Facebook on library PCs in order to keep the kids safe from sexual predators.
The heavy-handed legislation -- a bill introduced by Representative Mark Steven Kirk of Illinois -- is, of course, being fought by the American Library Association. The library wants to protect people's privacy saying that it is essential if a community is to utilize the library for intellectual pursuits.
Library officials agree with the goal of the bill, but they say that educating kids and parents about the dangers of such sites is the only comprehensive solution to the problem, which is a more than fair point. Kids are crafty and aren't only signing on to MySpace at the library. Heck, any kid with a Sidekick could spend all day talking to predators and there would be no way to know.
We think a strong education program and some decent parenting can keep kids safe online, regardless of where they sign on from and what sites they use. [Source: USA Today]
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Comments
148
Subscribe to commentsWendyJul 29th 2008 2:31PM
Using a library IP addresses for access to these sites should be a thing of the past.
You want to know who your talking to right? How are they going to find the people who set up the fraudulent pages on these sites if they use the library? Ask for I.D., card reader.
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You've never used a library computer, have you? At the very least, you have to check them out like a book. Many libraries already have scanners that check your card at the computer and log you off automatically when your time is up (and the rest are just waiting for the funding). The accounts set up for public use don't allow unrecognized programs to run, and won't even acknowledge the existense of any peripherals that may be introduced to them (like USB thumb drives).
Minette SweeneyJul 29th 2008 2:39PM
Our government shouldn't be censuring the internet, that is up to the people in each community, the majority should be deciding this not our elected "representatives".
I am tired of govt. reaching out to where it shouldn't be.
They are getting carried away with their power and we are allowing it.
Shame on Americans!!
Whitney DeversJul 29th 2008 2:50PM
Well lets see here. Kids are going to be kids no matter what. I would be happier to see children in the library than going and sitting in front of the tv. Also this world is so messed up that u can go to a macdonalds in the middle of the night or in the after noon and still get robbed or whatever. Fyi predators are every where Schools, churches, friends parents, anyone and everyone so shut up and let the kids be kids.
BillJul 29th 2008 3:32PM
Does anybody remember the WAR on DRUGS that we have obviously lost. And to the toon of Billions of dollars I might add. That (at least at the time) was a worthy undertaking....but a waste of money. Can you imagine what the WAR on INTERNET will cost
Lawrence MercierJul 29th 2008 4:46PM
When I see this picture of a library I think why so much empty space, who are we trying to impress? All filters should be inplace and no porn in ALL public buildings. If the general public want porn let them buy their own computers. Myspace I do not know about for I do not go there. If this is a trash site like moveon.org than get rid of it. We also need to watch out for the far left congress.
VeanetteaEnnisJul 29th 2008 6:29PM
Wouldn't it be great if Congress busied themselves with the serious issues like gas prices, homelessness, bringing our soldiers home, missing children, corrupt politicians......
CarrieJul 30th 2008 3:46AM
I love these law-educated folks who assume they know how Congress runs because they watched School House Rock back in the day. As someone who works in a congressional office, let me tell you: it was really easy for me to sit back and blame them for everything I found wrong with the government until I realized that it's not Congress' fault, not the President's fault. It's the media and the bureaucracy who demand perfect solutions to everything and who shred anyone who can't produce it.
I agree that there are more pressing issues on the table, but sometimes you have to look at certain resolutions and bills. Unfortunately the numbering system used to denote bills doesn't favor things you might find more pertinent. Rather than complain here to a mute board you might actually do something constructive and write a letter, an email, or call you Congressman or Senator. Believe me, we listen to what the people say. Then the Congressman or woman has to make their decision based on experience and public opinion. It's not easy, knowing you may well anger half your voters with a vote.
Lastly... enough with the partisanship. It's that attitude and lack of compromise that's tearing this country apart. We're not Democrats and Republicans, we're Americans. Supposed to be working together for the benefit of all, not petty parties.
conorAug 2nd 2008 3:44PM
my library computers have xb browser on them you cant block anything on those.