Lord, I just have to laugh... I read this article on Blorge about the UK social network called Faceparty - gee, wonder how they came up with that name? In the ever diligent Web 2.0 world to keep the predators away from the children (which is a good thing, don't get me wrong), they have decided that no one over the age of 35 can gain access/membership on Faceparty. Well, if you take a look at their log in to our network suggestion highlighted in the graphic at the right, who over the age of 8 would? Better yet, what parent would allow their child to do so?Oops, I forgot - mom and dad just park their kids in front of the computer and trust them to make the right decision. Pardon me for being so stupid.
The reason I am pointing this article out is for the arbitrary age that was picked. They even admit it is arbitrary. Using Google, most sources state that the demographical profile of the typical sexual predator is difficult to define. Some say that there is a 95/5 percent male versus female, while others say it is closer to 75/25. The average age is anywhere from 30 to 45, depending upon the study. But, a more salient fact is one that you read far too often: Only a fraction of those who commit sexual assault are apprehended and convicted for their crimes. So, registration and the statistics and cross-reference databases yield are only a partial view of the predators that lurk on the Internet.
What is truly needed is for the public and those who use the social networks to wake up and realize that your privacy can be compromised and that you are the only one who is ultimately responsible for your safety. Not the service provider, not the government, not some idiot who uses a dartboard to determine a random number. You would no sooner publicize your personal telephone number or social security number on a road-side sign, so why do it on a network connected venue.
And, of course, someone had to buy a domain name to make light of Faceparty's decision.
Leave a comment