Always Read the Terms of Service

A jury came back with a guilty verdict in the case of Lori Drew, the woman who has been named as an important factor in the suicide of Megan Meier. Drew impersonated a teenage boy on MySpace, befriending and then rejecting 13-year-old Megan. According to CNN, Drew was found guilty of three misdemeanor accounts for breaking the MySpace Terms of Service. The jury was split on a fourth charge of conspiracy.

The verdict has come with a certain amount of debate online. Website "Terms of Service" documents are typically ignored by site registrants and are often considered a mere formality. The CNN article suggests that part of Drew's defense was that she never read the MySpace Terms of Service agreement. Unfortunately, just like other areas of the law, ignorance does not protect you from being prosecuted.

It may seem like a waste of time to read them, but you are legally bound by the Terms of Service on every website you use. You will also want to pay attention to Privacy Statements. Why? First, you're handing over personal information. Will they sell it? Keep it private? Are you giving away the rights on your personal photos, videos and documents? It's entirely possible. Many sites have a statement allowing them to use anything you submit in any way they wish. Imagine seeing your face on a product you despise. Unlikely, but entirely possible. Second, what may seem like fun and games, might be punishable by fine or prison sentence.

If Lori Drew was made into an example due to the horrifying result of her "games," it can happen to anyone. Protect yourself by knowing what you have agreed to, and and what you are allowed to do on a particular site. You'll also want to make sure that your kids are aware of what is, and is not, acceptable behavior in online communities.