Hartford, Conn. - Lawmakers in Connecticut have introduced a bill that would require MySpace and other social networking sites to verify the ages of their users, and require those under 18 to obtain their parents' permission before posting a profile, the Associated Press reported.

The legislation arrives the day after a man was sentenced to 14 years in prison after being caught using MySpace to arrange a sexual encounter with an 11-year-old Connecticut girl.

"The technology is available. The solution is financially feasible, practically doable. If we can put a man on the moon, we can check ages of people on these websites," Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumental told AP, adding that more than 10 other states are considering similar legislation.

The bill would require MySpace, which counts over 100 million members, and similar sites -- including chat rooms -- to verify age information from parents, even contacting them directly when necessary.

Sites that violate the law would face fines of up to $5,000 per instance.

A public hearing on the bill has been scheduled for Thursday.

Related Links:
http://www.wral.com/news/technology/story/1226265 (AP)