I have one question about California's proposed Social Networking Privacy Act: Why not focus more on education than restriction, as it becomes clearer from the research that young people care deeply about their privacy online and have nuanced privacy practices of their own (see a blog post on this by researcher danah boyd). Media literacy instruction in school needs to include discussion about … [Read more...] about A California social-networking privacy bill
California
New CA law against fake profiles
California has updated its impersonation law to include online impersonation, or pretending to be someone else in email and social network sites. "Using a fake online profile or email address to harm others can lead to a fine of up to $1,000 and one year in jail," the San Francisco Examiner reports. The Examiner cites the view of one law enforcement officer that, on the surface, the law looks … [Read more...] about New CA law against fake profiles
Supreme Court to consider CA videogame law
The Supreme Court will consider whether a 2005 California state law banning the sale of violent videogames to minors is unconstitutional, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. The law would bar the sale of any videogame to anyone under 18 if, the Chronicle says, it "was so violent it was 'patently offensive' according to prevailing community standards for minors, and lacked literary, artistic, … [Read more...] about Supreme Court to consider CA videogame law
Facebook sued for being a social-network site
I can't always fit the bottom line of a story in the headline, but this time I could. "Five Facebook users are suing the social network for doing what made it an online superstar – letting members share aspects of their lives on the Web," Agence France Presse reports. They allege that Facebook violates California's privacy laws, reports ConnectSafely co-director Larry Magid in his CNET blog. It's … [Read more...] about Facebook sued for being a social-network site
CA’s cyberbullying legislation
A California law that's "close to passing" would spell suspension or expulsion for students who bully online or on phones, according to an article in the San Francisco Chronicle. "The measure by Assemblyman Ted Lieu, a Democrat from Torrance, passed the Senate Monday on a 21-11 vote. It goes back to the Assembly for consideration of Senate amendments and will be sent to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger … [Read more...] about CA’s cyberbullying legislation