Washington - A forthcoming bill in the U.S. House would permit social networking websites to request a list of registered sex offenders' e-mail addresses and instant messenger screen names from the Justice Dept., so they could be screened out of their members' ranks, CNET News.com reported on Tuesday.

"This bill provides social-networking sites, which are an increasingly popular way for kids to connect with their friends, with one more tool to help keep our children safe from dangerous predators on the Internet," Rep. Earl Pomeroy (D-N.D.), a sponsor of the proposed bill, told News.com.

The Keeping the Internet Devoid of Sexual Predators (KIDS) Act would add e-mail addresses and instant messenger screen names to the information that convicted sex offenders are required to register with the government; existing requirements include a home address, license plate number, DNA sample and fingerprints.

News.com reports that a similar bill has been drafted in the Senate by aides to Sens. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and John McCain (R-Ariz.).

Related Links:
http://tinyurl.com/3youpt (CNET)
http://www.pomeroy.house.gov