US House passes DOPA *quickly*

Controlling social networking appears to be high-priority for US lawmakers. They have fast-tracked the Delete Online Predators Act (DOPA). It was passed by the House of Representatives 410-15 yesterday (Thursday), and CNET reports that the Senate could vote on it as early as next week. DOPA "would effectively require [in schools and libraries receiving federal funding] that 'chat rooms' and 'social networking sites' be rendered inaccessible to minors, an age group that includes some of the Internet's most ardent users. Adults can ask for permission to access the sites." The problem with the law, critics say, is the way it's worded. "Even though politicians apparently meant to restrict access to MySpace, the definition of off-limits Web sites is so broad the bill would probably sweep in thousands of commercial Web sites that allow people to post profiles, include personal information and allow 'communication among users.' Details will be left up to the Federal Communications Commission," according to CNET. A pending close race for reelection for the bill's sponsor, Mike Fitzpatrick (R) of Pennsylvania is one reason cited by CNET for the Republican leadership arranging the quick vote on DOPA. Here, in pdf format, is the version of the bill the House approved, and the more tongue-in-cheek version of what happened in a San Jose Mercury News blog.