Legal Question in Criminal Law in Michigan

Sex offenders and forum use

As the administrator of a popular forum, what is my responsibility to the members if I find out that one of my moderators is a registered sex offender? There is no age requirement for registration so minors are on the board at any given time. Do I need to ban him from the site, or will it be ok to just remove his ability to private message any of the members? I want to be fair, but I have an obligation to protect my members.


Asked on 2/10/07, 11:24 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys
Charles A. Pascal, Jr. Law Office of Charles A. Pascal, Jr.

Re: Sex offenders and forum use

Your question is vague. What kind of forum? The person hasn't broken the law, at least not to your knowledge. Why would you want to ban him?

You might post a disclaimer on your site that you are not responsible for any personal contacts, meetings, etc., and that you do not conduct background checks of any members of the forum, etc.

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Answered on 2/14/07, 9:14 pm
Thomas Loeb Law Offices of Thomas M. Loeb

Re: Sex offenders and forum use

I suggest that you do nothing. If he hasn't broken the law, neither should you.

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Answered on 2/11/07, 1:36 pm
Francois Nabwangu Wright Cantrell PLLC

Re: Sex offenders and forum use

There is currently internet disclosure legislation pending in several states... If you are offering a service to your members it might be worthwhile to add some disclaimers for your protection (generic in nature). Otherwise one could argue that you have not taken basic ordinary precautions and might be blind sided by an eventual change in the law.

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Answered on 2/12/07, 9:18 pm


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