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Sarah_Jayne · 09-23-2003, 02:43 PM

Perhaps the key sentence here is : "The only chatrooms to continue will either have their content monitored for inappropriate messages or will be run on a subscription basis, allowing users to be easily traced."

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Microsoft closes chatrooms over paedophile fears

Microsoft has announced plans to close most of its internet chatrooms around the world to protect children from potential harm.

The landmark decision follows a string of disturbing cases where paedophiles have used chatrooms to groom youngsters for sexual abuse.

Microsoft believes the only way to tackle the problem is to close almost all the chatrooms it operates through its MSN websites in 34 countries.

The only chatrooms to continue will either have their content monitored for inappropriate messages or will be run on a subscription basis, allowing users to be easily traced.

The move is also being used by MSN to combat the growing nuisance caused by unsolicited e-mails - known as spam.

Companies are known to collect email addresses from those visiting chatrooms which they use to send what are often x-rated adverts, even though the recipient could be a child.

Matt Whittingham, head of customer satisfaction at MSN UK, said: "Most people treat this type of service with respect but we have found that chatrooms - and not only ours - are increasingly being used for inappropriate communications.

"Many of those using chatrooms are young and interested in sex and going out. Unfortunately we know paedophiles have exploited this and the freedom they get from chatrooms to target children.

"We have had enough of our services being used in this way which is why we have decided to close those which are free and not monitored."

MSN will shut its free, unmoderated chat services in all 34 countries on October 14.

The UK version currently has around 1.2 million regular users a month.

09-23-2003, 02:43 PM
Sarah_Jayne Now with more Jayne Industry Role: Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 40,077	Microsoft closes chatrooms over paedophile fears Perhaps the key sentence here is : "The only chatrooms to continue will either have their content monitored for inappropriate messages or will be run on a subscription basis, allowing users to be easily traced." - Microsoft closes chatrooms over paedophile fears Microsoft has announced plans to close most of its internet chatrooms around the world to protect children from potential harm. The landmark decision follows a string of disturbing cases where paedophiles have used chatrooms to groom youngsters for sexual abuse. Microsoft believes the only way to tackle the problem is to close almost all the chatrooms it operates through its MSN websites in 34 countries. The only chatrooms to continue will either have their content monitored for inappropriate messages or will be run on a subscription basis, allowing users to be easily traced. The move is also being used by MSN to combat the growing nuisance caused by unsolicited e-mails - known as spam. Companies are known to collect email addresses from those visiting chatrooms which they use to send what are often x-rated adverts, even though the recipient could be a child. Matt Whittingham, head of customer satisfaction at MSN UK, said: "Most people treat this type of service with respect but we have found that chatrooms - and not only ours - are increasingly being used for inappropriate communications. "Many of those using chatrooms are young and interested in sex and going out. Unfortunately we know paedophiles have exploited this and the freedom they get from chatrooms to target children. "We have had enough of our services being used in this way which is why we have decided to close those which are free and not monitored." MSN will shut its free, unmoderated chat services in all 34 countries on October 14. The UK version currently has around 1.2 million regular users a month.