MySpace data nabs seven sex offenders

Data from MySpace profiles have helped Texas authorities arrest seven registered sex offenders.

The seven were arrested after a two-week crackdown on registered sex offenders using the popular social networking site, despite being banned from doing so.

Texan Attorney General Greg Abbott today revealed the results of the operation - the first of its kind in the United States.

Officers with the Attorney General's Cyber Crimes and Fugitive Units investigated and arrested seven previously convicted sex offenders with online profiles after MySpace released offenders' subscriber information after subpoenas were served on the site last month.

"Texans will not tolerate criminals who prey on our children," said Abbott.

"These convicted sex predators established online identities on a website that is popular with teenagers and children. The Cyber Crimes Unit will continue its aggressive crackdown on sex predators who threaten our kids."

"By providing law enforcement with this critical user profile information, MySpace.com has taken an important first step towards a safer Internet. We urge all social networking sites to do whatever is necessary to protect children from Internet predators."

Those arrested are all registered sex offenders with victims ranging from seven to 21 years old.

- NZ HERALD STAFF