Crime Law

Louisiana sex offenders will have to list criminal status on Facebook

Beginning August 1, sex offenders in Louisiana will have to explicitly state that they're sex offenders on social networks like Facebook and Twitter.

From CNN:

Social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace have been removing sex offenders from their web pages for years, but (Louisiana state Rep. Jeff) Thompson said the law is designed to cover any possible lapses by social networking sites.

"I don't want to leave in the hands of social network or Facebook administrators, 'Gee, I hope someone is telling the truth,'" Thompson said Tuesday. "This is another tool for prosecutors."

Offenders who fail to mention their status could face harsh penalties: imprisonment with hard labor between two and 10 years without parole and a fine of up to $10,000. A second conviction carries even stiffer penalties: imprisonment and hard labor for five to 20 years without parole and a fine of up to $3,000.

More information is available at the link: www.cnn.com/2012/06/20/tech/louisiana-sex-offenders-social-media/