public teen message board slamming kids by name - peoplesdirt.com

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do any laws protect the under 18 crowd? What do schools do when parents notify them about this sort of site?

I don't know about laws but do know that if any pornographic or certain types of images are posted via links it can be big trouble. Some states have laws that address issues like sexting - can be a felony for sending photos even of yourself if under 18. many schools have standards that address negative actions in the community but some choose to ignore issues selectively.

[Anonymous]

No laws do not protect the 18 and under crowd. The law's the law. Schools often got involved, once something is sent to the school, it's considered fair game since it's the Internet, not at home, not at school, involves classmates.

I'm the PP who said things were better. What I meant is that there is much more awareness at the school level and schools are thinking this through, they're hosting workshops for parents, everyone is realizing the breadth and depth, the permanence and searchability of the Internet. I joined Facebook to see how it works. Gosh, is it tedious.

[Anonymous]

hate to break it to everyone..but it is freedom of speech. the site is not going anywhere

[Anonymous]

The site could go if there was a defamation lawsuit. Obviously it's not going anywhere any time soon.

[Anonymous]

the site is actually growing very quickly and we are doing over 6 millions page views monthly......just how you guys monitor us we enjoy monitoring you guys.

by the way we work with the authorities and legal counsel so we are not going anywhere!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The site could go if there was a defamation lawsuit. Obviously it's not going anywhere any time soon.

NO, the site can not be sued for defamation. The law protects them.

[Anonymous]

So the site asserts but since the law is evolving I don't think anyone can categorically say that this or any site used by minors is protected from defamation or pornography litigation/charges. I also don't see any Terms of Service, which is odd.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So the site asserts but since the law is evolving I don't think anyone can categorically say that this or any site used by minors is protected from defamation or pornography litigation/charges. I also don't see any Terms of Service, which is odd.

the law that protects them is something like the Telecommincations act or patriot act or something back from 2000. A quick Google will reveal the reference. The law is not likely to change as this same law is protecting things like YahooGroups, GoogleGroups, and other providers who provide people a place to post content to the web.

[jsteele]

Anonymous wrote:
the law that protects them is something like the Telecommincations act or patriot act or something back from 2000. A quick Google will reveal the reference. The law is not likely to change as this same law is protecting things like YahooGroups, GoogleGroups, and other providers who provide people a place to post content to the web.

That's actually not the case. It's true that, generally, courts have sided with protecting anonymous posters and protecting websites that carry such posts. However, as an earlier poster noted, it is a developing area of law. A recent case in Maryland would suggest that the website is fairly well protected. See these articles for details:

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/rawfisher/2009/03/maryland_protects_anonymous_po.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/08/AR2008120803405.html

However, other states have other laws (or the issue hasn't yet been decided). The website could probably be sued in any state in which someone felt himself to be defamed. So, the threat of a lawsuit might be greater in some states. Moreover, the cost of defending against a lawsuit can be an issue even if the suit its eventually won.

Obviously, I've had reason to explore this issue.

[Anonymous]

What about schools if it became known a student was posting under a handle and admitted to it? They could get in trouble there, suspended or, if the posts were extreme enough, expelled. Again, this is all evolving. Anonymous posts are another kettle of fish.

[jsteele]

Anonymous wrote:What about schools if it became known a student was posting under a handle and admitted to it? They could get in trouble there, suspended or, if the posts were extreme enough, expelled. Again, this is all evolving. Anonymous posts are another kettle of fish.

I forgot to mention in my earlier post that the website has been categorized by Websense as "Tasteless", a category that is often blocked by schools, government institutions, and some businesses. Kids would probably have to post from home. I have no idea how schools would react.

[Anonymous]

Have any of your kids been targeted? And/or are you really upset a site like this exists? If you're willing to tell a journalist what you think, call me at 571-259-9401.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

More on this site this week:

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/parenting/2009/05/online_gossip_site.html

[Anonymous]

http://www.gazette.net/stories/05132009/bethnew194436_32530.shtml

[Anonymous]

so my sister is on this website and some untrue stuff was said about her. i've asked several times to delete the post but they dont care and never did. but on the home page (www.peoplesdirt.com) there is a link that says "Donate" i donated some money ($15) and there is a place where you can send them a message along with your donation. i asked if they can remove the link and they did. i was very supreise but i guess money talks. these mother fuckers do anything if money is involved.