14/10/2003

Microsoft closes MSN chat room service

Microsoft has closed its MSN Chat service in response to fears that it could be used by paedophiles to groom potential victims and spread spam mail.

The company said that the increase in abuse of the Internet, such as the "massive growth of spam and the increase in unsolicited and inappropriate material, particularly with regards to children", had led it to make this decision.

The decision was initially announced three weeks ago "as part of an overall effort by MSN and Microsoft to provide consumers with a safer, more secure and positive overall online experience".

The company said the decision was 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," a company statement said.

One internet services provider, Lycos, slammed the move saying that children who want to continue to use such services will turn to unregulated, and inevitably more dangerous, chatrooms provided elsewhere.

Children's charities have, however, broadly welcomed the decision.

(gmcg/mb)

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