HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) -- Facebook is taking some steps aimed at protecting young users from sexual predators and cyberbullies. Among the moves being made include banning convicted sex offenders from the site and making it more difficult for older users to contact members under 18. In addition, Facebook will take part in a task force that will seek ways to verify users' ages and identities. In all, there are 40 new safeguards to enhance the safety of those under 18. Officials from Washington, D.C., and 49 states have signed on. Facebook says it has already launched many of the changes. The site has more than 70 million members. Its rival, MySpace has 200 million users worldwide.IN THE NEWS: SUSPECTED PEDOPHILE ARRESTED; SUBJECT OF INTERPOL HUNT
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- His colleagues knew him as a witty fellow who took on acting jobs, painted kids' faces and played Santa Claus at parties. But authorities claim Wayne Nelson Corliss is suspected of sexually abusing at least three boys from Southeast Asia. The boys in question are believed to have been 6 to 10 years old. Corliss was arrested yesterday in his Union City, New Jersey apartment. He is charged with producing child pornography and could face 10 to 20 years in federal prison if convicted. His arrest came two days after Interpol took the rare step of asking for the public's help in finding Corliss. An official with the international police agency says authorities got 460 leads within the first 24 hours of the public appeal.
