The middleman isn't the problem Access to social-networking Web sites shouldn't be blocked. Instead, beef up law-enforcement efforts.

Government officials have a new target in the ongoing Internet censorship wars: social-networking Web sites. Rep. Michael Fitzpatrick (R., Pa.) and several members of the newly formed congressional "Suburban Caucus" recently introduced HR 5319, the "Deleting Online Predators Act (DOPA)." It would require schools and libraries that receive federal funding to block minors' access to social-networking sites that allow users to create Web pages or profiles or that offer discussion boards, chat rooms or e-mail service.

The sponsors argue that these sites are havens for online predators or child pornography. Unfortunately, censoring access to these sites will do little to weed out these problems, and instead merely block access to sites that are socially beneficial.

Social-networking Web sites, especially the phenomenally successful MySpace.com, represent the fastest-growing portion of online traffic today. MySpace alone signs up an estimated 250,000 new users daily and has more than 76 million subscribers, making it one of the 10 biggest sites in the world.MySpace.com and hundreds of other sites, such as LiveJournal, Friendster and Facebook, allow users to network with friends, build "buddy lists," and share stories and pictures. These sites are the equivalent of digital town squares, where citizens gather together, share culture and build new friendships. And, contrary to popular opinion, these sites aren't just aimed at kids. Eighty percent of MySpace users are over the age of 18, for example.

Of course, success in the online world can have some downsides, too. Once any Web site becomes popular enough, some bad guys will try to move in. Spammers, scammers and other creeps will attempt to use the hot new technology or network for their nefarious purposes. The worst of all the vermin are those who prey upon children. The Internet has given predators a new venue for their heinous crimes, and they can use social-network sites to build relationships with minors under false pretenses and attempt to make personal contact later.