Microsoft to close European chatrooms Support
As cases of child abuse rocket, the Microsoft Network, MSN, is to close its chatrooms in Europe, the Middle East, Latin America and most of Asia from 14 October. American chatrooms will be accessible by credit-card subscription only. More at The Guardian. The BBC reports some worrying facts from Cyberspace Research Centre:
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One in five children aged nine to 16 regularly use chatrooms
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More than half have engaged in sex chat
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A quarter have received requests to meet face-to-face
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One in 10 had met face-to-face
As a parent and ex-teacher, I'm glad that MSN wants to help protect its users - but at first, this total closure seemed like an over-reaction to me. But then I considered that there are parents out there so lazy or irresponsible that they allow nine year olds to chat or surf the Web unsupervised. If the parents aren't willing to parent their kids, it falls to the chat room provider to do it, however much it smacks of censorship. (Bruce Lawson)
Comments
Good kob
I believe most parents are totally ignorant of what childern can get upto these days within It and the net. So like you say it is upto the providors to try and prevent missuse of certain systems. There are always ways around things, but for most, making it a little more difficult is enough.
RE: Good job
RE: Good kob
Great move!!
I think its great to finally see some ethics driving business decisions!! This is a responsible attitude that we need to see more of!
What about Australia???
Cheers!
MM.
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