'Dangers of the Internet' Resolution Passed By Senate

destinyland writes "Apparently June is national 'Internet is Dangerous' month. The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution urging Americans to 'learn more about the dangers of the Internet.' And what counts as a danger? Disabling censorware, or making friends online if you ever plan to meet them in real life. Its extreme negativity is disappointing. But remember — it passed unanimously. From the tech blorge article: 'It's not just a resolution. A few corporations are actually trying to cash in on this misguided disinformation campaign, including BSafe Online, a Tennessee company which markets a PC filtering software. (I wonder if it's one of the ones that can be disabled by 31% of America's teenagers...) Their CEO has an encouraging message for parents about safety on the internet. "This is a battle they must fight everyday with their children in order to keep pornographers, sexual predators and cyber-bullies at bay." And keeping those pornographers and sexual predators away will cost you a mere $70 a year...'"

Comments

Bullshit!

[MrZaius]

Barring the stats filled preamble, which likewise never really defines "dangers", here is the entire text of the resolution:

Resolved, That the Senate--
                        (1) designates June 2007 as `National Internet Safety Month';
                        (2) recognizes that National Internet Safety Month provides the citizens of the United States with an opportunity to learn more about--
                                    (A) the dangers of the Internet; and
                                    (B) the importance of being safe and responsible online;
                        (3) commends and recognizes national and community organizations for--
                                    (A) promoting awareness of the dangers of the Internet; and
                                    (B) providing information and training that develops critical thinking and decision-making skills that are needed to use the Internet safely; and
                        (4) calls on Internet safety organizations, law enforcement, educators, community leaders, parents, and volunteers to increase their efforts to raise the level of awareness for the need for online safety in the United States.

Yes, it's rather pointless, but it's not a "Da intertubez strangled my granddaughter" resolution, either. There's nothing terribly alarming going on this time.