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Facebook Getting Safer

Networking site will work closely with New York attorney general's office

By Sam Gale Rosen, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 17, 2007 2:33 PM CDT

(Newser) – Facebook will roll out new protections against online predators, CNN reports, after an investigation by New York's attorney general last month blasted the site for "significant defects." The improvements include a new disclosure for parents and an easier process for reporting unwanted advances. Facebook will also appoint (and pay) an independent examiner to keep tabs on the site's progress.

Andrew Cuomo, who launched the Facebook investigation, said he is pleased with the new steps. "I think it's fair to say that Facebook will have the safest interaction of its kind in the marketplace," Cuomo says. The New York AG says his office is now working with other sites to improve safety, but declined to name the specific sites.

Facebook.com's mastermind, Mark Zuckerberg smiles at his office in Palo Alto, Calif., in this Monday, Feb. 5, 2007 file photo. Facebook has announce plans to improve its predator reporting system. (AP... (Associated Press)

New Jersey state Attorney General Anne Milgram speaks at a news conference in Trenton, N.J., Thursday, Oct. 4, 2007, to announce the arrests of 41 people in New Jersey on child porn charges. Those arrested... (Associated Press)

File photo of Mark Zuckerber, the founder of Facebook, a networking tool for college students that has become very popular, including attracting those who would use it for fraud or other illicit activities. (KRT Photos)

The popular online social networking site, Facebook, plans to implement new methods of reporting potential online predators. (Shutterstock.com)

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

social networking • Facebook • online privacy • Andrew Cuomo

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Blame Yourself for Facebook's Lack of Privacy

Site is all about sharing, so stop expecting a 'silver bullet' fix: Farhad Manjoo

Facebook Settles Privacy Case With FTC

It agrees to independent audits for 20 years

Researchers Use Facebook to Identify Passersby

Facial-recognition software makes it a breeze

Facebook Is Starting to Feel Like a 'Stalker'

Little blue box is everywhere, and it's a 'little creepy': Mary Schmich

Facebook Ready to Cash in On Your Data

Facebook ads mining user data like never before

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Newser By Users

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