NJ Curbs Web Use for Sex Offenders

Acting New Jersey Gov. Richard Codey yesterday approved legislation limiting access to computers and the internet for convicted sex offenders—even if they didn't use them for their crimes, the Newark Star-Ledger reports. Sex offenders on parole must now alert the state parole board regarding their access to computers, as well as submit to unannounced inspections and continuous monitoring of web use.

Those convicted of using the internet as part of a sex crime will be banned from the internet entirely, and others will be subject to limited constraints, such as a prohibition against social-networking sites. Violators of the new law will face up to 18 months in prison and a fine up to $10,000. (More sex offenders stories.)