Rupert Murdoch's MySpace has been in the news a lot, lately. And a substantial number of the mentions have centred on the fact it's a favourite CyberSpace hang-out for sickos..

Now, alongside the site's more normal advertisements, visitors will see:

"1 in 5 kids online is sexually solicited. Online predators know what they're doing. Do you?"

The public service announcements are part of a campaign launched two years ago by the Ad Council and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, says the Associated Press.

"The spots, which computer users can see on MySpace in the form of banner ads, were also slated to begin running on a host of News Corp. outlets, including other Fox Interactive Media Web sites, the 28 Fox Networks Group broadcast networks, Fox All Access radio and the New York Post," says the story.

MySpace recently appeared to be doing its part by culling profiles.

However, "News Corp wants to smarten MySpace up to attract more advertisers and marketeers without alienating its users, who are attracted by its slightly anarchic feel," said The Register at the time.

"It is hoping to attract advertising from mainstream brands and is setting up an account team to help sell space across its internet properties."

Meanwhile, also recently, detectives in Colorado used MySpace profiles to ID and arrest six rape and robbery suspects.

Also See:
Associated Press - MySpace.com posts ads aimed at promoting online safety, April 11, 2006
culling profiles - MySpace cuts dodgy profiles, April 3, 2006
ID and arrest - Rape suspect MySpace ID, March 26, 2006