At some point someone will test this question: Does the state have the right to information kept in one's home, without a warrant or probable cause that a crime HAS BEEN committed? Whether or not folks think it is logical for the state to have the information, the question of "beyond the front door" and 4th Amendment and privacy issues scream in these laws.
11-2-2009 Wisconsin:
MADISON (WPR) Convicted sex offenders would have to register any personal e-mail addresses or websites with the state under a plan that passed the Assembly Thursday (10/29).
The plan would cover everything from social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook, to user accounts on Internet gaming networks like Xbox Live.
Fort Atkinson Democratic Sponsor Andy Jorgenson says the proposal will help the Department of Corrections keep an eye on offenders, and keep kids safe. He says the bill was written broadly to keep up with technology. Jorgenson says when he started crafting the bill, Twitter didn’t exist, but is now a major social networking tool.
The plan passed on a unanimous vote. It now heads to the Senate, which passed a similar bill last session. ..Source.. by Shawn Johnson, Wisconsin Public Radio
November 2, 2009
WI- Wisconsin sex offender e-registry passes Assembly
May 5, 2009
TX- Texas Bill Might Require Sex Offenders To Register Gaming Identities
5-5-2009 Texas:
A bill that passed the Texas Senate today would change sex offender registration regulations in the state so convicted sex offenders would have to provide law enforcement with each “alias, assumed name, nickname, or pseudonym, including a screen name, used by the person.” Presumably, the law includes gamertags, twitter user names, facebook names, and other public online identifiers.
The additional information would not be made public but would be available to law enforcement and social-networking sites, and presumably, video game companies. This gives companies the ability reject people from joining based on their inclusion on the list. The bill, introduced by Sen. Florence Shapiro, is headed to a vote by the Texas House, and should it pass, the governor’s desk.
Chicago attorney and video gamer Wesley Johnson said, "It appears this law would apply to gamertags, although the final definition of what's covered in the law is up to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice."
We’ve put in a call to Microsoft and Sony to find out what the companies' policies are regarding these types of non-public databases, and how it would affect membership on Xbox Live and the PlayStation Network. A Microsoft spokesperson issued the following statement:
“While we don’t have all of the details surrounding this specific bill in Texas or any of the implications it would have for online networks, Microsoft remains committed to abiding by all laws and providing a safe and fun environment for Xbox LIVE members.”
I haven't heard back from Sony on the issue yet, but when I do, I'll pass the word on to you. ..News Source.. by Stephen Johnson
February 9, 2009
CA- Feds: Meeting On Xbox Live Led To Sex Crime
2-9-2009 California:
Missouri Man Met California Teen On Video Game System, U.S. Attorney's Office Says
FRESNO, Calif. -- A 27-year-old Missouri man who drove almost nonstop to California to meet a teenager he met on Xbox LIVE was indicted Thursday in federal court.
Edward Preston Stout, of Richmond Heights, Mo., communicated with the Sanger, Calif., teen on both the video game system and through MySpace accounts, according to federal officials. They also communicated by text messages and telephone calls.
The U.S. attorney's office in Fresno alleges Stout sent the teen a cell phone as a 15th birthday present so they could communicate more frequently and privately.
On Jan. 25, Stout drove for 30 hours to meet the teen, federal officials said.
He then took the teen to a motel and engaged in criminal sexual activity, the U.S. attorney's office said.
Stout was indicted on charges of using interstate commerce to entice or coerce a minor to engage in sexual activity and travel in interstate commerce to engage in illicit sexual activity. ..News Source.. by KCRA3
