Washington D.C.- Just when you thought all was safe on the Internet, you hear horror stories about MySpace, FaceBook, CraigsList and others, where the criminal element is lurking in the shadows.

Due to such concerns over information being offered to an un-suspecting radio audience on line, and the hundreds of scams operating, there is an intense push by off line Radio Stations to have the FCC and BBC regulate what happens on the Internet.

Stations that have to be licensed to broadcast off line, are asking that the FCC and BBC require so called, Internet Radio to have to do the same; be licensed. 

That would mean that the FCC and BBC, and other global government agencies, will monitor what is being shared, require those stations to follow the same rules, or pay big fines if they do not. This would also include what can and can not be listed on a website as to content, types of shows being offered, etc. 

Those opposing the move say that it's an all out attack on freedom of speech, while owners of " valid off line radio stations connected to on line station operations, " say this is just them asking to have everyone playing by the same rules.

" On an unlicensed Internet radio station, one can promote terrorism and anti-social behavior and not be held accountable by anyone. They can also dupe listeners to buy into scams, making donations to shadow corporations that do not exist and more. It's just time to have this happen and to protect those who depend on the Internet for valid, credible information where they do not become a victim," said Sales and Marketing manager, Jim DePaul of New York.

Brian Collins of " Real Time " news radio, and who operates on line only, said he welcomes such a move. 

" So what if we have to be licensed. Only the criminal element will scream " foul " and fight such a move. It's not at all about freedom of speech, it's about the freedom to feel safe. "

Long time radio personality, Joe Buccheri, who has operated TGAMM FM on line for almost three years, says people do need to feel safe, however, one needs to be cautious in such matters. 

" In the 70's, if you played a tune with the " F " word, you got knocked off the air and were fined. Today, that word is used like it's out of the Bible. It may be okay to the vocal minority but not okay to the masses ( if you take the time to ask ). I don't mind because I'm already holding a music based type of license to operate and I have our interns maintain TGAMM as if it is an off line station. It just makes good sense and they learn more from the experience. Since we are still moving forward to operate off line, I'm obligated no matter what occurs."

Internet providers and web sites like MySpace and others don't like the idea and have made " no comment, "  but it's obvious that it's not going over well with everyone.

Today, the news was released about what some see as the beginning of regulating the Internet.

Click on here to read that story

Good Post. It is about time. We have to much junk and danger on the internet now and I do not see it getting any better. John

_{Greetings John thanks for your comments :) the junk filters we do have are out dated yes lol}

_{And we do need to be more careful in how we perform our duties online and as well offline too, but i knew it was just a matter of time ,}

_{you remember your mother telling you,}

 _{when the cat's away the mice will play?}

_{I love my freedom don't get me wrong}

_{But theres a price one must pay to have that freedom.}

_{WOw Nick, that eye and that howling wolf ...spooky}

_{hmmmm reminds me of the internet LOL}