Charles Capps
We appreciate your concern. It is noted and stupid.
Member # 9
posted
The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act has gone into effect.
This means that before anyone new can register, I need 'proof' that they're either over or under thirteen years old.
The newer UBBs have built-in compliance with the law, but the changes nessecary to bring Flare into compliance are just plain nasty. Registrations will be suspended until Flare2 is launched.
If you would like to register anyway, my email addy is [email protected] - I can perform manual registrations.
------------------ "You shot him! You shot him dead!!" "Well, he was attacking me with a banana!"
posted
Oh yeah, fun stuff isn't it? I don't see the point of it seeing as a kid can probably fake all the info they want anyways. The Trek BBS hasn't upgraded with it yet, but I am at other UBB boards that have, and it looks stupid.
posted
I like the way "proof" is in quotes, seeing as, last I heard, it didn't consist of anything more substantial than failing to check a box that says "I'm under thirteen". *L*
------------------ "Compared to you, every male on this ship is an expert on women!" -Geordi LaForge to Wesley Crusher, TNG: "Sarek"
Charles Capps
We appreciate your concern. It is noted and stupid.
Member # 9
posted
Actually, the law has legit reasons... We collect "personal information" and make it publicly available. Thus the "Privacy Protection Act" prohibits it...
It's meant to do good, but just ends up being a pain in the ass.
The "proof" involves stating one's age by clicking a link. You click the over-13 link, and you're allowed to register immediately. You click the under-13 link, and you're allowed to register, but have to print out a permission form that must be faxed/snailmailed to the admins by parents... *rolls eyes*
We're complying for the sake of compliance - I don't want to get hit by a fee or anything.
The act effects and US-based site, any site that targets US kids, or any site that resides on a server located in the US. We match the first and last criteria, and partially the second (as kids do like sci-fi & Trek & stuff...)
------------------ "You shot him! You shot him dead!!" "Well, he was attacking me with a banana!"
posted
Their intentions are okay, but, you're right, the way they're going about it is ridiculous. Unfortunately, it's law. There isn't much to be done about it.
As for Flare2... If everything up to this point is any indication, I wouldn't suggest holding your breath... :-)
------------------ "Compared to you, every male on this ship is an expert on women!" -Geordi LaForge to Wesley Crusher, TNG: "Sarek"
Almost totally unenforceable, easily bypassed, and basically enacted to make the legislators feel like their doing something, and to get the "concerned citizens" off their backs.
When I am dictator, this will all be remedied.
------------------ "Nobody knows this, but I'm scared all the time... of what I might do, if I ever let go." -- Michael Garibaldi
posted
Actually, I wouldn't annex Canada. I wouldn't even try. Eventually, it would become to your advantage to join us, is all. Especially after the solar power stations become operational.
------------------ "Nobody knows this, but I'm scared all the time... of what I might do, if I ever let go." -- Michael Garibaldi
Apparently yousa peeps haven't heard about CANADIAN WORLD DOMINATION You just wait until we unleash the Great Lakes on the Central US ... and have troops marchin' through your once-mighty country...
MWAHAHAHA
Long live Canadian World Domination! :P
------------------ Millions long for immortality who don't know what to do on a rainy afternoon. --- Susan Ertz
posted
Will this affect people who are already registered in any way?
------------------ "The things hollow--it goes on forever--and--oh my God!--it's full of stars!" -David Bowman's last transmission back to Earth, 2001: A Space Odyssey
posted
Well, if you're over thirteen (or is it thirteen and over?), it wouldn't affect you anyway. If there's anyone here who's young enough for the law to apply, technically their profiles should be romoved and they would have to reregister w/ parental permission. 'Course, if we don't know they're that young, I guess there isn't much to be done.
So, if anyone's under thirteen, and concerned about staying legal, I guess you should let CC know. But, like I said, if you don't tell anyone, no-one can do anything. But that would be illegal, so it really isn't recommended.
------------------ "Compared to you, every male on this ship is an expert on women!" -Geordi LaForge to Wesley Crusher, TNG: "Sarek"
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