Senator Kenneth P. LaValle today announced that legislation updating Megan's Law for the Internet Age has been signed into law. The Electronic Security and Targeting of Online Predators Act initiative (e-STOP) will require sex offenders to register their online identification with the Sex Offender Registry. It also allows social networking sites to obtain that information so they can prohibit those account holders from accessing young children on the Internet.
The new law ensures greater protection for children by preventing sexual predators from anonymously accessing social networking sites used by children. The law takes effect immediately and applies to all sex offenders who are currently registered or who must register in the future.
"The increased use of the Internet has made it imperative to protect children from sexual predators who would use this popular means of communication to gain access to their next victim," said Senator LaValle. "E-Stop recognizes the expansive growth of Internet networking and ensures that our laws keep pace with technologies that can be used to harm and exploit young children."
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