Parents Sue MySpace After Teen’s Suicide

The parents of a 14-year-old who killed herself after being sexually assaulted by a man she met online have sued MySpace, charging the social networker “fostered” their daughter’s “despicable relationship" and pushing for more controls. "With MySpace's right to make a profit comes a responsibility to protect its customers," the parents' lawyer told the Dallas Morning News.

“MySpace knows that it is a haven for sexual predators, yet doesn't put in any security measures to protect young girls,” said Jason Itkin, whose firm is also involved in six other suits against the popular site. Roughly 29,000 sex offenders have been found on MySpace, but courts have thus far failed to insist on stronger age verification. (More MySpace stories.)