'Adult' Web company launches MySpace-styled site

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The operators of an X-rated online video game on Wednesday debuted Utherverse.com, an adults-only site that aims to duplicate the success of wildly popular teen hangout MySpace.com.

Owners of the new site, who recently launched RedLightCenter.com, expect to have more than one million registered users by the end of 2006 and encourage members to upload erotic photos and to complete fantasy profiles.

Brian Shuster, chief executive of Utherverse.com, said people under the age of 18 are banned from using the new social networking site - a move that should help the upstart online community avoid MySpace.com's No.1 pitfall: pedophiles.

Teenagers, young adults and some full-fledged adults have flocked to News's MySpace property to socialize, share interests and find dates.

But the site has also been fertile ground for some sexual predators, who have attracted the attention of parents and US law enforcement following multiple reports of sexual assaults to minors.

Shuster said Utherverse.com's uses credit-card age verification and has people monitoring the site, scouring it for postings from minors to ensure safety.

"Our users can feel safe and relaxed in the knowledge that they are dealing with other adults," he said.