Facebook, N.Y. Attorney General Settle Child Safety Probe

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on October 16, 2007 - 12:03pm.

New York - Online social network Facebook has reached a deal with New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo over child safety concerns, that includes no financial penalties but compels Facebook to take quicker action when complaints are made, and allow an independent examiner to monitor its efforts.

Under the terms, Facebook agreed to respond to user complaints about nudity, pornography, harassment or unwelcome contact within 24 hours, and report the steps it has taken to address the complaint within 72 hours.

The company also consented to letting an "Independent Safety and Security Examiner (ISSE)," whom Cuomo will have a hand in picking, oversee the process.

Parents and others who file complaints on Facebook will be given a link to provide feedback to the examiner, who will submit reports to the Attorney General every six months for a two-year period.

"I believe our agreement will provide additional confidence to young people and parents alike and give Facebook a competitive advantage in the marketplace for setting a new standard for safety," said Cuomo.

"Our agreement with Attorney General Cuomo will set new industry standards to stop abuse online," said Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

http://tinyurl.com/2woadw (Reuters)

http://www.facebook.com

Published in DMW Daily, October 16, 2007

Previous story: Report: iTunes to Expand DRM-Free Catalog; Drop Price to $0.99
Next story: Ticketmaster Wins Case Against Ticket-Buying Software Firm

Email this page

tags: Social Networking | Facebook | Privacy | Andrew Cuomo |

add to:

del.icio.us |

digg | Yahoo! MyWeb | Slashdot

Comments

Facebook was founded by Mark

Submitted by scarpa lavoro (not verified) on March 4, 2008 - 10:42pm.

Facebook was founded by Mark Zuckerberg, a former Harvard student. Initially the membership of Facebook was restricted to students of Harvard College.