Panel: Sex offenders can be kept off social networking sites in N.J.

A New Jersey appeals court has ruled that paroled sex offenders can be barred from Facebook, LinkedIn and other online social networks.

Offenders had gone to court to challenge that restriction, saying social networks are important ways to get news, information and find business opportunities.

But a three-judge panel ruled Tuesday that the offenders can be kept off social network as a term of parole. The judges say the restriction is in place to keep them from having “unwholesome interactive discussions” with potential victims.

In the same ruling, the judges found parole officers can also require offenders to submit to polygraph tests.