Internet is best option for sex offender posts

Several states are using he Internet to post the names of convicted sex offenders. At least twelve have posted websites with this information, and three more may be in the process.

The Internet is an excellent choice of medium for this information. The 1996 "Megan's Law" requires states to release "relevant" information about convicted sex offenders.

While it certainly seems necessary to make this information available to the public, it is also necessary to try to protect the privacy of convicted offenders who have served their time. Publishing this information on the Internet will hopefully serve both purposes well.

The Internet offers a search ability which will allow people to retrieve only the information that they need. This helps to limit the spread of information beyond necessity.

The Internet is not an overly overt means of publication. It allows citizens who wish or need to get this information to actively search for it, without needlessly violating the privacy of those listed.