The Online Publishers Association newsletter talks about security and advertising on Myspace:
For $580 million, News Corp. bought the hottest of the social networking sites, MySpace, with its 55 million members and #5 spot in online traffic. But it also has its hands full. USA Today reports that investigators around the country are examining crimes that have taken place due to social networking sites such as MySpace, “from statutory rape and molestation to murder.” In Middletown, Conn., police suspect that seven girls under 16 have been sexually assaulted by men they met on MySpace, USA Today reported, and the Connecticut attorney general is investigating the site for possible criminal prosecution. MySpace says it is working on implementing stricter controls and stronger safety procedures.
While I sympathize completely with the new crop of unfortunate victims, bad things have happened to people via internet-based relationships for more than a decade. Slow news days and the meteoric rise of social networking sites like Myspace have finally brought the story to the front page. It will be interesting to see how NewsCorp deals with the security issues. It comes down to teaching people to be careful about who they meet online. How do you teach common sense to teenagers?
A comment was left last week from someone who works in advertising saying that their clients who advertise on Myspace are sticking through the bad press social networking sites are receiving thanks to the media. According to OPA, this is not the case. Read the complete newsletter for full details.
