HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Facebook is taking some steps aimed at protecting young users from sexual predators and cyberbullies. Among the moves being made include banning convicted sex offenders from the site and making it more difficult for older users to contact members under 18. In addition, Facebook will take part in a task force that will seek ways to verify users' ages and identities. In all, there are 40 new safeguards to enhance the safety of those under 18. Officials from Washington, D.C., and 49 states have signed on. Facebook says it has already launched many of the changes. The site has more than 70 million members. Its rival, MySpace has 200 million users worldwide.