July 11, 2007

Having marked its second anniversary this month, the Protect MI Child registry is helping to protect thousands of Michigan children from illegal electronic messages.

The registry, administered by the Michigan Public Service Commission, has allowed parents and others to register over 124,000 e-mail addresses, instant message IDs, mobile text messaging devices and fax numbers to which children have access. It was established on July 1, 2005.

Over 6,000 individual electronic addresses have been registered. In addition, schools and organizations have registered over 200 e-mail domains, leading to another 118,000 children being protected by the registry. Approximately 450 instant message IDs, mobile text messaging devices, and fax numbers have also been registered.

"The electronic world can be a potentially dangerous place for Michigan children," noted MPSC Commissioner Monica Martinez. "The Protect MI Child registry gives parents an additional tool to help protect their children from these contacts. Registration is free and easy at the Protect MI Child Web site: Michigan.gov/protectmichild."

Registered contact points are protected by law from receiving messages that promote 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 of the registration.

If a registered "contact point" receives a prohibited message, a complaint may be filed by going to Michigan.gov/protectmichild. The Michigan Attorney General's office is responsible for the enforcement and investigation of complaints. A first violation is a misdemeanor; subsequent violations are felonies. Civil penalties may also be sought.

A Consumer Alert with more details about the Protect MI Child registry is available on the MPSC's Web site - Michigan.gov/mpscalerts (under telephone alerts) - or by calling 1-800-292-9555.

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