Delete DOPA

DOPA is the Deleting Online Predators Act introduced last week by Rep. Michael Fitzpatrick (R-PA). This bill would update the federal law that currently requires schools and libraries that receive federal E-Rate money to install Internet filtering software. Specifically, the bill would prohibit access to commercial social networking websites or chat rooms. The idea is that these virtual spaces make it easy for online predators to subject minors to "unlawful sexual advances, unlawful requests for sexual favors, or repeated offensive comments of a sexual nature."

I am reminded again of all the dangerous things that can happen when the wrong person gets ahold of a pencil.

But sarcasm aside, this whole topic has generated very interesting commentary in some of the blogs I read. Check out Andy Carvin's post on the PBSLearning website and Doug Johnson's excerpt from Nancy Willard's analysis of the political pressures that encourage legislation like this. Politicians always look good if it appears they are trying to protect children. Doug also posted the opposition letter he sent to his representative. Additional thoughtful commentary can be found on Joyce Valenza's blog and Christopher "Infomancy" Harris's blog. Infomancy links to Meredith Wolfwater's discussion of the many ways social networking software can enrich library services.

On the lighter side, there's Snubster.com, a new "reverse" social networking site I just read about in School Library Journal. On Snubster, instead of adding friends, you add people or things you don't like. I like these entries from random member Carlos: people who bring kids to R-rated movies (they are noisy and annoying), flip flops (he doesn't want to see your feet), Patty's Dry Cleaning (they charge too much), and self control ("It always fails me when I'm in front of a pizza, cookies, or cake").