Pandora’s Blog

This guy is great! He started International Delete Your Myspace Account Day. I actually created an account about a year ago to get in touch with ONE person — who never even responded. I used today as the day to officially delete my membership. I hadn’t even created my page yet - why bother, the website SUCKS! Anyway, read this post, learn how to do it — and DELETE YOUR MYSPACE ACCOUNT!!!

International Delete Your Myspace Account Day is Here!

The news of the day is this – the year’s 2nd “most useless” idea for online safety. The first, of course, being the MySpace agreement.

Now, my own state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo – along with Republican Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno and Democratic Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver – has proposed legislation that would require sex offenders to provide their Internet identities to the state, which would then share the information with social networking sites like MySpace to protect users from online predators.

It’s called the “Electronic Security and Targeting of Online Predators Act,” or e-STOP. Sex offenders would have to report their online information to the state Division of Criminal Justice Services. That includes all e-mail addresses, chat and instant messaging names and online social networking identities. Now, state corrections law already requires offenders to provide Internet screen names, but the new legislation would clarify and expand the information they must supply and permit sharing it with social networking sites and other online services. If offenders don’t report changes in their online identities within 10 days, they can be charged with a felony.

You can read the AP story here: NY Bill Regulates Sex Offenders’ Web Use.

Anyone see the ridiculousness of this. It’s yet another publicity stunt by politicians to make people a) think they are really doing something here b) have a false sense of security c) be persuaded to vote for them. In reality, this will only prevent the small percentage of sex offenders that will be playing by the rules. And remember, the percentage of people arrested for this are not registered sex offenders. There’s a first time for everything…

Oh and it’s only for sex offenders registered in New York.

It’s not that it’s not a good idea. No no, don’t get me wrong – I am glad to see people taking the issue seriously. But let’s all hold our applause till the end, OK folks? There really isn’t a point to praising something that will most likely end up having little or no effect.

Instead, how about we put more money towards mandatory education in schools? How about the government grants small companies like ours to distribute PC Pandora to families so parents can regain control of their little user’s online activity?

Parents, don’t be fooled by these new agreements you are hearing about. It’s a long time before they take effect, and even longer until the work (like, never). You are responsible for what your child does online and whom they are talking to. If you need help, invest in the technology that is available. With monitoring software like PC Pandora you will know everything and be able to do something about it.

I stumbled across this article the other day and was happy by what I saw… it seems that slowly, even the teens are realizing the new MySpace deal is just a PR stunt – in a manner of words. More or less, they agree that elements of the agreement will be hard to maintain and that, in the end, “instances where young children or teens get into trouble because of their activity on MySpace is ‘the kid’s fault and the parents’ ignorance.’”

Jennifer Keefe wrote MySpace regulation a must: Students agree federal government not right for task, which is on fosters.com, the online version of Foster’s Daily Democrat. Check it out.

In the piece, they stress that education is the key. It’s the key for both parents and teens. Part of the education is knowing what your child/teen is doing, where they are going, whom they are talking to – and most recently realized – what is being said ABOUT them.

Know what your kids are doing online. Use monitoring software and technology like PC Pandora to help. It can be your best friend, your main asset – or simply the back-up. Don’t be so quick to give them free reign. They are, after all, still kids… and worse – teenagers!!!

I stumbled across this guy’s page where he basically outlines the measures taken to ensure family Internet safety. This includes the restrictions placed upon their 9-year-old web surfing son. EXCELLENT. This is one parent who is not afraid to tell his child who the parent is. Too many other parents are afraid of rousing their child, or perhaps are intimidated by the greater tech knowledge possessed by the child… either way, not enough people are putting their foot down and making their child EARN the right to surf the net. Just as driving was when we were kids, surfing the net now is a privilege, not a right.

Check this out – I think you’ll like it!
The Internet… Do YOU Know Where YOUR Children Are?

The best resource/tool you can use to battle your child’s tech savvy world is the same technology. Monitoring software like PC Pandora can be the best investment you make. You will have the option of seeing EVERYTHING! There is no reason not to spend $50 for peace of mind…

Thought I’d give the shout out for some television programming tonight. The PBS series, Frontline, which is fantastic, is airing an episode tonight dedicated to the generation of kids growing up now that are, in reality, the first ones to fully grow up in an online world. The piece, entitled Growing Up Online, touches on the much-discussed fear of online sexual predators, as well as concerns about the ease of cut-and-paste plagiarism using the Internet, and how notions of privacy and the meaning of friendships change drastically with the touch of a button.

This is a must watch episode of television for all parents. It is also yet another FANTASTIC case/argument for the need for monitoring software like PC Pandora. The truth is that it’s not just predators… what if your child is being cyberbullied? Or worse, the instigator of such a horrible thing…? What if your kid is addicted to porn… or looking up how to make homemade bombs to bring to school in an act of revenge?

The World Wide Web is just that – a web of information connecting you to the world. Kids can’t comprehend that and should not be given free roam within. But what is a parent to do?

Use technology. Educate yourself. Talk to you kids… and protect your family and your child’s bests interests with monitoring software like PC Pandora!

Tune in to PBS tonight. Check your local listings… it plays in NYC at 9PM.

We sent out a release today that is basically our offical response to the MySpace agreement. It’s just extra food for thought. Have a fun and safe weekend…

PC Pandora Urges Parents to Increase Online Safety in the Home

In the wake of the recently announced MySpace-Attorneys General agreement, PC Pandora reminds parents that the best protection is at home and not at a website. Parents can take small steps, as simple as monitoring Internet activity, that will go a long way in keeping their young users safe online. Hear from company co-founder, James Leasure.

New York, NY (PRWEB) January 18, 2008 — Earlier this week, the popular social networking site MySpace signed an agreement with 49 state Attorneys General to take proactive steps in strengthening the protection offered to younger users, specifically against unidentified sexual predators using the site. But while many applaud and recognize the effort as a giant step forward, one company wants to remind parents that this is only one step down a long road.

“It’s definitely a great step to take,” says Pandora Corp. co-founder, James Leasure, “But for now it’s just an idea.”

Included in that “idea” are plans to develop stronger age-verification software, create a “high school” area for members under 18, and respond faster to complaints from members about other users. It will also allow parents to get involved by submitting the child’s email address to help prevent fake accounts being set up in their real child’s name.

“The fact is that unless you are verifying age by a social security number, which would be ridiculous for a social network site, anyone - from feared predators to the actual teens we are trying to protect - can still lie about their age,” claims Leasure.

“Age verification and protection start in the home,” says Leasure.

Pandora Corp. makes and sells leading monitoring software called PC Pandora. Working like a DVR for your PC, it records all content via screen capture.

“It allows parents to see everything their child does and gives them the chance to talk to them about it and correct the behavior,” explains Leasure. “If your child is visiting sites that you feel they are not ready for, or are simply inappropriate, you will know about it and be able to do something.”

In addition to monitoring capabilities, the program records instant messenger conversations, emails and keystrokes. It also contains a website filter system and has the ability to block programs from launching.

“We’ve also implemented a system that allows you to receive email updates on your child’s activity when you are not at home,” Leasure continues. “This is extremely valuable for every working parent who can’t be there when their child gets home from school - which is universally when kids spend most of their time online.”

The problem of sexual predators on MySpace and other popular social networking sites has been well documented. But experts agree the websites did not create the threats, rather they opened doors.

Sexual predators and MySpace, however, are not the only thing on the Internet that should concern parents.

“The reality is that parents should be concerned with everything their child does online. Whether it is MySpace or instant messenger, simple browsing or exchanging information with even their friends, parents need to be involved. There is no excuse for not knowing what your child is doing - where they are going and whom they are talking to online. Technology and software like ours can play a vital role in obtaining that knowledge.”

Long gone are the days when the local teens would hang out at the soda shoppe or outside the convenience store. Today, socializing online is the preferred way of connecting with friends. But the Internet has not only increased the ease of staying in touch, Leasure says it has also thrust many young users into a world they may not yet understand.

“Kids don’t realize the power of the Internet and how deep it really goes. Not everyone they meet is who they say they are. It’s up to parents to be there to explain,” says Leasure. “The first and last line of defense is and always will be at home, not at a website.”

PC Pandora is gearing up to release its latest edition, version 5.0, in the first quarter of ‘08. At pcpandora.com, parents can find 18 Tips for Safe Surfing and a blog dedicated to online safety news and discussion.

About PC Pandora: Pandora Corporation was formed with one goal - to help our customers monitor, control and protect their families and themselves online. First released in mid 2005, PC Pandora has been constantly upgraded to industry-leading specifications and has received accolades from users, reviewers and even school districts and law enforcement agencies, who use the program to help in the day-to-day supervision of the children and citizens they are charged with protecting. The company website devotes space to helping parents with 18 Tips to Safe Surfing and Pandora’s Blog, where current news in the world of online safety is discussed regularly. PC Pandora has vaulted into a leadership position by boasting a combination of features that unparalleled in the monitoring industry. In December 2007, Version 5.0 was released, again widening the spectrum of coverage and protection offered by the program. In addition, through the company’s Safe Schools program, schools and school districts can receive up to $100,000 worth of software to aid in protecting their students and their PCs. PC Pandora is also now available through the Pandora Corp. store at Amazon.com.

Reporters and Producers: Looking to cover online safety? We are your technology solution component. Software is available to journalists for review and use in family testing. Staff members are always available for interviews. Let us help you show your audience how easy it can be to keep their kids safe.

Big news today concerning MySpace; I am sure you have heard, as every state is creating their own localized story, that the infamous social networking site (famous for being a breeding ground for sexual predators) has reached an agreement with 49 states’ (and the District of Columbia) Attorneys General to make several changes that will help prevent sexual predators and others from misusing it. Referred to as The Joint Statement on Key Principles of Social Networking Sites Safety, the site has agreed to add several protections and participate in a working group to develop new technologies, including a way to verify the ages of users. Other social networking sites (such as FaceBook and Beebo) will soon be invited to participate.

The deal comes in response to the exponential growth of social networking sites in recent years, with teenagers making up a large part of their membership. This has created a new venue for sexual predators who lie about their age to lure young victims and for cyberbullies who send threatening and anonymous messages. Because of this, legal authorities have long been seeking greater controls for networking sites to prevent predators from using them to contact children.

Among other measures, MySpace agreed to:

This, of course, is a great step forward… but what about the 50th state? In fact, Texas is the ONLY state to withhold from the agreement. The state’s AG, Greg Abbott, raises a valid point: he does not believe any social-networking site can be safe for minors until significant improvements in technology are achieved, specifically “an age verification system [that] is effectively developed and implemented.”

Abbot has said:

“In our view, the remedial measures delineated in the joint statement constitute a starting point rather than a point of conclusion. That is, the protective steps memorialized in the joint statement improve online safety and security but still fail to adequately protect child users.”

Furthermore, he believes the wording of the joint statement is too vague and that by signing the joint statement they “would be misperceived as an endorsement of the inadequate safety measures contained therein.”

He concludes a letter to MySpace co-founder and CEO Chris DeWolfe with:

“Although we believe that MySpace.com, along with other state Attorneys General, is working to protect social-network users, we cannot endorse any initiative that fails to implement a reliable age verification system. Doing so would give Texas parents and their children a false sense of security.”

PC Pandora’s take:
Obviously, the joint agreement is a huge step forward, but Texas certainly does raise a valid point. While states are quick to sign the letter, how quick will this be forgotten? I can hear 49 AG’s saying in unison, “well, that’s solved. Next?” while patting themselves on the back. But until something is physically done, nothing is solved. A commitment to fix does not mean the problem is fixed. However, not to undermine or downplay the effort, it is still a good sign that the issue has reached thus far.

But as MySpace and Facebook clean up, more social networking sites will spring up. Ones that are new, fresh, and free of restrictions that would hinder a sex predator’s mission.

The bottom line is that there will never be a safe foolproof way for websites or third-parties (i.e. AGs, law enforcement, etc.) to protect kids. Safety starts at home. It is the parents’ responsibility to monitor their young Internet user’s activities - not a website’s. Parents need to be aware of who their child is talking to and what sites they are visiting. Monitoring software like our PC Pandora plays a vital role in assisting parents in obtaining that knowledge. Having that knowledge is having the power and the ability to discuss with your child their Internet habits and correct potentially dangerous practices (i.e. posting a photo of themselves or revealing any personal information).

If you are a parent looking for that extra bit of security and peace of mind, check out our PC Pandora. It will record everything that happens on the computer and give you the detailed information you need to watch what your child does. Simple controls let you block websites and programs, and you can even get updates on activity while you are at work.

Don’t think that just because your kid is safe at home (err, unhealthily glued to the PC) they are safe in the world [wide web].

Educate yourselves. Discuss with your kids. Protect your family with PC Pandora.

Sources for this blog, should you want to read the articles are here:
AP article #1
AP article #2
United Press International
CNet news (Texas AG article)

Yes folks, that’s right… our soon-to-be-released PC Pandora version 5.0 got a sneak peek review on pcmag.com. The article may soon appear in the print edition as well!

Overall, we are happy with our review. While it was noted that we could improve actual parental “control,” we are the leaders of the pack in actual monitoring! Plus, we beat Sentry At Home’s score!

So, take a look at our review here: PC Pandora 5.0 - and tell us what YOU think!

My good friends on the ChildLaw blog did a scary round-up of the year’s pedos… Check it out. While many of them are not necessarily a case of an Internet seduction, all involve the exploitation of children via pornography, and many are computer/internet-based.

2007 Pedophile Roundup - the Year in Review

As we start 2008, it is my hope that more parents will take an interest in their child’s safety when it comes to the online world. Monitor your kids online and talk to them. Use tools like our PC Pandora monitoring software to know whom your kids are talking to and where they are going online.

This ain’t your father’s hangout spot… this is the World Wide Web. There many not be too many dirtbags in your town, but they are everywhere in the world.

I know my posts have been lackluster this week, but I had hundreds of stories to sort though after almost 2 weeks off! So, here are some tidbits from the beginning of this week and the New Year. Do know, that our PC Pandora version 5.0 is going to be released soon and I will be all over the place on you with monitoring software and online safety tips!

New Ohio law expands sexual predator lists: More offenders to get high-level classification, face requirements to register more often with sheriffs
To start the year, Ohio is getting tough on sex offenders. More Ohio felons will be classified as sexual predators under a new three-tier system. It will also include longer registration times for felons and mandatory community notification for some offenders once considered low level.

Making MySpace a safe place: State spearheads task force to keep predators off siteThis is an interesting piece (Republican view or not) that looks at the efforts to clean up MySpace of sexual predators.

Cyber Crimes Unit Arrests West Lake Hills Police Officer for Online Solicitation of a MinorAnother cop – remember, the ones that are supposed to protect us – was arrested for soliciting… a 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL!!

Have a safe surfing and fun weekend – the first of many in 2008!