TeenHealthFX - Answers - Can Police Access My Space?

Laws & Policies / Question
Published: July 2, 2008

Dear TeenHealthFX,

Can police get onto your actual myspace account and read all your messages?! my parents told me that they could and i feel like they are lying to me! please help! love: confused

Signed: Can Police Access My Space?

Dear Can Police Access My Space?,

What is important to realize here is that the Internet is a public space. Any information that you post on your MySpace page or any other Internet account is accessible to other Internet users. The MySpace.com privacy policy says, “Please note that we cannot guarantee the security of member account information. Unauthorized entry or use, hardware or software failure, and other factors may compromise the security of member information at any time.”

Specifically in regards to the police or other law enforcement officials, MySpace says that “MySpace will not disclose personal information to any third party unless we believe that disclosure is necessary: (1) to conform to legal requirements or to respond to a subpoena, search warrant or other legal process received by MySpace.com, whether or not a response is required by applicable law; (2) to enforce the MySpace.com Terms of Use Agreement or to protect our rights; or (3) to protect the safety of members of the public and users of the service.” In short, it is possible for MySpace to release your sign-on and password to law enforcement for the above reasons. To read MySpace’s entire privacy policy, please visit http://www.myspace.com/Modules/Common/Pages/Privacy.aspx.

It is important to always use caution when posting information online. MySpace provides several safety tips which you might find helpful:

· Don't forget that your profile and MySpace forums are public spaces. Don't post anything you wouldn't want the world to know (e.g., your phone number, address, IM screens name, or specific whereabouts). Avoid posting anything that would make it easy for a stranger to find you, such as where you hang out every day after school.

· Don't post anything that would embarrass you later. Think twice before posting a photo or info you wouldn't want your parents or boss to see! Also picture can provide personal information about you. For example, a sweatshirt with your school name on it or some thing in the background of the picture that would give a clue as to where you live.

· Don't mislead people into thinking that you're older or younger. If you are under 14 and pretend to be older, customer service will delete your profile. If you are over 18 and pretend to be a teenager to contact underage users, customer service will delete your profile.

For more safety tips please visit:

Signed: TeenHealthFX