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CMLawLibraryBlog

The CM Law Library Blog seeks to inform the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law community about key legal education, research, practice, and law library news, with a particular focus on Cuyahoga County and Ohio as well as faculty research interests.

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Policing Social Networks

Jessica Mathewson-Library Media Technical Asst.-jessica.mathewson@law.csuohio.edu | June 05, 2008 - 16:03

The UK is considering tightening the reins of social networks, such as Facebook and MySpace. A study recently conducted asked if there should be tighter regulation of social networks. According to the Guardian, 89% of those polled said they want rules to prevent personal information from being abused. The PCC (Press Complaints Commission), which monitors internet and video content in the UK, warns people of the dangers of posting information online and of possible consequences when doing so.

The EU is also considering increased restrictions on social networks. Their internet security agency, ENISA, is expanding its legislation to cover photos taken then posted online. Both the UK and EU agencies believe people need to be educated on how these networks actually work and know that it is difficult to get information off the Internet once it is online.

So where, oh where is the US on this issue? Well, our legislation is geared more toward the safety of children, such as the Deleting Online Predators Act. This was later expanded to include social networks.

What are the ramifications of policing social networks? Any regulation enacted would affect the entire industry. While Facebook and MySpace are the giants in this field, there are smaller networks such as, Ning, which will be effected as well. These restrictions may also affect business type networks, such as Linkedin. In addition to affecting other networks, usage will be affected. People will use or not use these types of media if they know they are being watched or listened to, especially regarding personal matters.

What implications do you foresee for regulating social networks?


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