January 23, 2006

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today said that parents and others may now register instant messenger IDs, mobile text messaging and fax numbers to which minors have access on Michigan’s Protect MI Child registry.

People have been able to register e-mail addresses to which minors have access since July 1 last year.  The registry is designed to help parents and others guard children from inappropriate messages.

“I am pleased to announce that parents, schools and others can now register additional ‘contact points’ to prevent unwanted and inappropriate messages from reaching children in Michigan” said MPSC Chairman J. Peter Lark.  “The registry is an easy-to-use tool designed to reduce the number of these types of messages.”

The Michigan Children’s Protection Registry Act (Public Act 241) prohibits persons from sending to registered contact points messages about products or services that are legally prohibited for children.  Examples include pornography, tobacco, gambling, alcohol, and illegal drugs.  Senders of prohibited messages are required to remove registered contact points from their electronic mailing lists within 30 days.

If a registered contact point receives a prohibited message, a complaint may be filed with the Michigan Attorney General’s office.  A first violation is a misdemeanor; subsequent violations are felonies.  Civil penalties may also be sought.

Contact points may be registered by visiting the Protect MI Child Web site: michigan.gov/protectmichild.

The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Labor & Economic Growth.