X Nations - View Single Post - Microsoft Closes Chatrooms..., ...to curb paedophile threat

teddyz · 10-13-2003, 04:35 AM

Microsoft Closes Chatrooms..., ...to curb paedophile threat

The software giant Microsoft declared war on internet paedophiles last night by announcing the closure of its thousands of UK-based chatrooms used by millions of people.

It will also restrict access to chatroom systems around the world, allowing only identifiable, adults living in the same country to use them.

The decision is a significant precedent, the first time one of the biggest internet service providers has cut off an element of the World Wide Web in reaction to concerns over misuse.

The Government is so concerned by the dangers of chatrooms that it is drafting legislation, expected to come into force in the autumn, that will criminalise "internet grooming" by creating a new offence for any adult to arrange to meet a child under 16 with intent to abuse them sexually. It would carry a sentence of up to five years in jail.

Full story:
http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/cri...p?story=446426

10-13-2003, 04:35 AM	#1
teddyz teddyz should edit this Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: New Orleans Posts: 104 xBucks: 4,082	Microsoft Closes Chatrooms..., ...to curb paedophile threat Microsoft Closes Chatrooms..., ...to curb paedophile threat The software giant Microsoft declared war on internet paedophiles last night by announcing the closure of its thousands of UK-based chatrooms used by millions of people. It will also restrict access to chatroom systems around the world, allowing only identifiable, adults living in the same country to use them. The decision is a significant precedent, the first time one of the biggest internet service providers has cut off an element of the World Wide Web in reaction to concerns over misuse. The Government is so concerned by the dangers of chatrooms that it is drafting legislation, expected to come into force in the autumn, that will criminalise "internet grooming" by creating a new offence for any adult to arrange to meet a child under 16 with intent to abuse them sexually. It would carry a sentence of up to five years in jail. Full story: http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/cri...p?story=446426