Michigan's new database for kids: Is it child protection or data collection?

Ferndale & Pleasant Ridge Mirror ^ | July 28, 2005 | Martha Wood

[stage left]

This month, Michigan became the first state to launch "a child protection registry," which means information database in government speak.

Its purpose is to protect children from Internet spammers who solicit buyers for stuff like porn, guns and drugs.

But as many Internet-savvy people know, the spammers trafficking these noxious items probably aren't worried about measly state legislation.

And legislators know this. So why institute this pie-in-the-sky legislation?

In recent years, government has become data-collection happy, but it has usually targeted adults. With this new registry, Michigan might be setting a precedent for data collection on children in the United States.

https://www.protectmichild.com/index.html

[stage left]

I have to wonder if people expecting Michigan's "secure database" to protect kids on the net until age 18 might be better off with no internet access @ all!

[ncountylee]

Is this one of the idiot governor's great ideas?

[Thinkin' Gal]

The registry requires childrens' e-mail addresses and birthdays.

Who thought up this thing, a pedophile?