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