That's the thrust of a new law about to take effect in Utah and Michigan that could become a harbinger for the rest of the nation.

Starting Friday, parents in those two states will be able to add their children's e-mail addresses to a "do not contact" registry. Anyone who goes ahead and sends e-mail deemed to be off-color or "harmful to minors" could be imprisoned for up to three years.

Reason number 45 why I'm glad I'm no longer running a mailing list. This is essentially a mini-CDA. It will either die, or it will be amended through the courts, or it will kill internet mailing lists.

Why ribaldry could earn you prison time | Perspectives | CNET News.com