Networking Site Bans People Over 36

RobinWolaner

Posted: May 27, 08 10:24pm

Can't quite figure out whether this is true or not, from a law firm (British I believe):

http://www.out-law.com/page-9136

Social networking site bans the over 36s in sex offender claims

OUT-LAW News, 21/05/2008

A social networking site has deleted most of its users over the age of 36 because it claims older users pose a danger of sex offending. It claims to be forced into the action by the Government, but the part of a law it cites is not yet in force.

Faceparty has deleted what it describes as "a huge number of accounts" from its social networking site in recent weeks. It lists 'over 36 years old' as one of its reasons for deletion.

"We understand that only a minority of older users are sex offenders, but you must understand that we cannot tell which," it says in its explanation of the deletion of accounts.

"New government legislation means we need to check older users on the sex offenders list," says its notice. "This legislation is based upon checking email addresses against a government provided list. Faceparty has never insisted on validated email addresses and can therefore not participate in this new scheme."

43 Comments // 22 Members

Posted: May 27, 08 10:38pm

I move that we ban all UNDER 36

The measure passes

Posted: May 27, 08 11:02pm

That has got to be one of the most ridiculous things that I ever heard. They aren't looking for sex-offenders, they simply want the younger faces only. Next they will throw out the ones that weigh too much.

Posted: May 27, 08 11:09pm

I did try to research what the average age of a sex offender was and came up with no statistics, instead I found the typical age of victims which FaceParty indeed is trying to cater to. They deny they are trying to gear it to a youth oriented social networking site, yet that is exactly what they are doing.

It is their privilege to set up guidelines however they see fit and if their mission statement is geared for youth then it should be plainly stated.

No one can patrol all the Internet and interactions, but this speaks a clear message from FaceParty. ""We understand that only a minority of older users are sex offenders, but you must understand that we cannot tell which," it says in its explanation of the deletion of accounts."

Good article, Robin, even for this over the hill group of TBD'ers, and we must understand that there are predators wherever we go. If we taught our children well, they will be aware of that as well as we are.

Posted: May 27, 08 11:18pm

I googled Predators INC. and they won't let me join because I'm too old. Shucks!

Guess I'll have to run for congress.

Posted: May 27, 08 11:23pm

Ha! You might have my vote is you are too old to have flings with them young and delightfully tempting interns.

My brother had a vasectomy when he was in his early 30's. He began telling all his female friends that he was now safe. Yeah, right.

Posted: May 28, 08 5:57am

Second the motion to restrict people under 36..

Posted: May 28, 08 6:00am

What they're really looking for is to deliver the 18-35 demographic to their advertisers...follow the money.