14 DAY TRIAL // Social networking websites, like Facebook, MySpace, hi5 are a common place for children. Under 18 users who have profiles on the above mentioned sites are susceptible to abuse from adults pretending to be minors. This problem has been reported in the US for quite some time now and legal measures against it have been required by the general public.
Regarding this particular issue, Facebook is reported to have reached an agreement with 50 attorneys general that will try to prevent similar future actions. Facebook is a social networking website that has been launched back in 2004. Since then, the site has faced some controversy, as a number of incidents led to its placing under investigation. According to the signed agreement, Facebook will restrict the users from changing their profile age over 18 to under 18. The change can only take place after it has been reviewed.
Facebook will also try to develop a software application meant to identify the users who lie about their age. To further increase security features for underage users, Facebook will also feature a "Report Abuse" function, which minors can use to identify and report different problems they come across. The agreement will also change the signing up process. It appears that juveniles will have to read and agree to a set of safety tips. Facebook has also erased from its website the Internet groups that are related to incest and pedophilia.
The signing of this agreement has placed Facebook right beside MySpace, in both signing a similar agreement with attorneys general. Facebook is now part of the Internet Safety Task Force, which has been formed in January. It appears that this particular social networking site is also going to extend its protective features to its other non-US users.
In the past, Facebook and other similar sites have been the targets of serious criticism from the general public for not involving themselves in the protection of under-18 users.