Microsoft chatroom closure welcomed as a ‘positive step’

SDLP spokesperson for children and equality Patricia Lewsley has welcomed the news that Microsoft is to cut back on its chatroom services as a “step in the right direction in the fight against child abuse”.

Microsoft announced that its free MSN Chat service will close in response to fears that it could be used by paedophiles to obtain potential victims and spread spam mail.

Mrs Lewsley said she had long campaigned for chatroom services to be curtailed on the grounds of child safety and that Internet authorities needed to act responsibly to combat paedophiles.

“For too long, adults have been free to use the web to solicit young people for abusive contact. They groom them over time and manipulate the child’s emotions so they come to think of them as their best friend."

She added: "Once again, a small minority of Internet users have spoiled the web for the rest of us. It is a disgrace that our children are not free to explore the Internet at their leisure without the threat of sexual predators looking to corrupt and influence them."

In a statement, posted on various chat rooms, Microsoft said: "As part of an overall effort by MSN and Microsoft to provide consumers with a safer, more secure and positive overall online experience, MSN has decided to no longer offer MSN Chat in this market beginning October 14 2003.

"This change is intended to help protect MSN users from unsolicited information such as spam and to better protect children from inappropriate communication online. We will ensure you get the best and safest customer experience during those last weeks where free unmoderated chat will still be available."

(SP)