MySpace to Block Sex Offenders

In an article on BusinessWeek.com, it was announced that MySpace.com will be partnering with Sentinal Tech Holding Corp. to build an automated database to match MySpace profiles with those that match sexual predators.

This is quite honestly the greatest step forward for social networking. By removing this resource from the hands of convicted offenders, it should take a huge step forward in eliminating the online risk.

About 12 percent of MySpace's visitors in October were under 18, according to comScore Media Metrix. The tracking company counts Americans who visits the site at least once in a given month, so the proportion of teens may actually be higher based on time spent.

Some may argue that the offenders have served their time, and just want to live a normal life. Quite honestly, I don't care. I agree that all barriers should be placed between a convicted sex offender and kids. It's ok if you get a job in the back stockroom or a warehouse, or programming computers in the back of Dell offices, but I don't want people who have been caught having an opportunity.

Yes, pedophilia is a medical condition just like alcoholism, and people deserve treatment ... but does a recovering alcoholic keep a six pack in the fridge just because legally he can? I didn't think so ... and neither should sex offenders.