Filed under: Internet, Social Software
Texas Attorney General declares MySpace plan "smoke and mirrors"
Earlier today we told you about how 49 states are going into a comprehensive partnership with MySpace to stop sexual predators and protect children on social networks. Those of us good at geography remember that there are 50 states, so who is the odd one out that isn't part of this "joint statement?" In case you haven't guessed it yet, it's the Lone Star State, Texas.Greg Abbott, the Texas Attorney General, explains the reasons for not participating like this: the implementations that are suggested by the statement are more like window dressing rather than a reliable way of keeping children safe online. And yes, although it is a good idea in essence, it is not as if this is going to change anything in regards to protecting social network users, and therefore inadequate. As such, if Texas joined, it would convey a false sense of security to parents and children - which, according to Abbott, can't be solved until an age verification system is in place.
Although Abbott's stand against the herd is admirable, the idea of an age verification system is not very appealing. For example, surrendering credit card information or social security numbers to prove one's age just to use a social network is probably not going to sit too well with a lot of users. Even if a great system is developed, like some sort of age verification service that is compatible with a number of sites, people will look for alternatives that don't impose these barriers upon users.
Ultimately, with social networks moving towards openness and data portability, this is going to be a fine balancing act between enforced security measures and trusting users to manage their own security.
[via News.com]
So, just how good at time waster games are you? Think you've got the stuff? Well, The World's Hardest Game 2.0 doesn't think you do.
Yes, amazingly, it's possible to have a sequel to a game called "The World's Hardest Game". It doesn't seem logically possible, since if the first one was actually the world's hardest, how could another one come along and share the moniker? It made me doubt the name in the first place. That is, until I tried the game.
The mechanics of the game are very simple. You are a small red square, ...
