Forensics

Should sex offenders be allowed to use the Internet? I think not! Although, the use of the Internet has its advantages and disadvantages, society has a right to protect itself from anything or anyone we feel will cause us harm. According to researchers who have studied the nature of Internet-initiated sex crimes, most Internet sex offenders are not adults who target young children by posing as children, luring children to meetings, and then abducting or forcibly raping them, but they are our next door neighbors, a relative, or even a childhood friend. They are the individuals whom we trust, yet, they can be extremely manipulating in getting a child or young person to submit to their will. The most practical and realistic way to protect children from any kind of assault, be it online or personal, is education and open communication.

Although the percentage of rape cases has increased drastically, we have a duty to protect innocent individuals from Internet sex offenders. Currently, Georgia is joining a small band of states complying with guidelines in a 2006 federal law requiring authorities to track Internet addresses of sex offenders. However, it is among the first to take an extra step of forcing its 16,000 offenders to turn in their passwords, screen names, and e-mail addresses. Although, no one in Georgia has challenged the law yet, critics say it threatens the privacy of sex offenders and burdens cash strapped law enforcement officials. However, victims feel that predators have (to some degree) forfeited, some of their privacy rights. In essence it seems that violators have more rights victims.

Another advantage of sex offenders not being allowed to use the Internet is the role of deception and the effects of the offense on the victim by the perpetrator. Often times, sex offenders will show inappropriate characteristics immediately by making suggestive sexual remarks or come-ons. The majority, however, are far more clever than that and are...