Social-networking platform complies with proposed social networking law
Released on = March 8, 2007, 1:47 pm
Press Release Author = Group Members International
Industry = Internet & Online
Press Release Summary = Requirements of proposed social networking law to verify users using Age and Id verification is already met by GrownUpsOnline.com, the responsible social network for Grown Ups built on the GMI Social Networking platform.
Press Release Body = Southbury Connecticut 3/9/07: Connecticut lawmakers unveiled legislation on Wednesday (March 7) that would require social-networking sites to verify users\' ages and obtain parental consent before minors can post profiles. Group Members International (http://www.GroupMembersInternational.com) announced last month the new white label enterprise level social networking platform that meets the requirements of Age and Identity verification requested in the new Connecticut law proposed by Attorney General Richard Blumenthal,and supported by 38 attorney generals from around the nation.
Group Members International (GMI) is on the cutting edge in recognizing the need for and implementation of the Age and Identity verification technology. GMI recognized that the technology is both available and financially feasible. It is seamless to the users and meets all the required privacy regulations. No personal information is collected during the verification process stated John Monteleone, CEO of GMI.
Following the Blumenthal model, GMI created the 21 years of age and older website http://www.GrownUpsOnline.com and implemented the Age and Identity Verification in the 4th quarter of 2006 when it finalized development of its social network platform. This thereby avoids the mix of children and grownups that has plagued the other social networks. Monteleone also stated “we don\'t mix children and grownups on a peer level socially off line due to the difference in maturity and interests, so why are some of us mixing children and adults online on the same peer level. Separation of children from grownups is the solution and Age and Identity Verification is the process that the attorney generals are supporting”.
Social networking website members are also concerned about user privacy violations. The possible privacy violation issues are repeatedly being used as a reason for social networks to not use the Age and Identity Verification system. Monteleone said that this is not the case with the system chosen by GMI for GrownUpsOnline.com. Age and Identity Verification addresses both social responsibility and privacy compliance issues. Stated on the GrownUpsOnline.com registration page, the requirements are clearly stated in the following laws and regulations; SSN Act Compliant, SSNPA Compliant, Customer Privacy Act Compliant, DPPA Compliant, FCRA Compliant, Graham Leach-Bliley Act Compliant, COPA Compliant, and COPPA Compliant.
The GMI social networking platform can be used for any type of social network, including Corporations, Organizations, Association and other large groups. Our process separates the grownups from children by approving membership by age, either over or under 18. It works this way; The parent signs up for the site and their age and identity is verified, The parent then signs up the child fulfilling the requirement for parental consent. The site is then moderated using the GMI proprietary moderation tools. Although the sign up process is simple and seamless, the cost of the service is one of the issues preventing its implementation; free sites would need to charge, as ad revenues may not cover the cost of providing the service. GrownUpsOnline charges a small fee for membership, but both management and members realize the fee is the cost of building trust between its members, and the value of providing a safe Internet environment.
GroumMembersInternational -- Enterprise level white label social networking platforms http://www.groupmembersinternational.com
GrownUpsOnline -- The 1st Responsible Social Network For GrownUps, featuring Age and Identify verification and multi- level moderation
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