Minn. lawmakers curb sex offender Web access

Myspace
The homepage of the MySpace social networking Web site.
Photo by NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images

The highest-risk sex offenders will face limits on their Internet access under a bill the Minnesota Legislature voted unanimously to send to Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

Starting in August 2010, predatory offenders put on intensive supervised release won't be able to access, create or maintain a personal Web page or social networking account if it permits contact with anyone under 18.

The restrictions apply to chat rooms, instant messaging and popular sites like MySpace and Facebook.

Computers and other devices with Internet capability could be examined by authorities conducting unannounced searches.

Violations could land the offender back behind bars.

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