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24/09/2003
Microsoft closes its online MSN Chat service
Microsoft is set to close 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.
In a statement posted on the MSN chatroom, 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."
One internet services provider, Lycos, has 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, welcomed the decision.
(gmcg)
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.
In a statement posted on the MSN chatroom, 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."
One internet services provider, Lycos, has 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, welcomed the decision.
(gmcg)
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14 October 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.
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.
14 November 2013
Birmingham Children Service Could Be Handed Off If Improvements Not Made
Ofsted inspectors have warned that should the standard of children services in Birmingham not improve, the service will be handed over to the Department for Education. It is understood that Ofsted will inspect the services again later this month and if improvements are not made the department will take over before Christmas.
Birmingham Children Service Could Be Handed Off If Improvements Not Made
Ofsted inspectors have warned that should the standard of children services in Birmingham not improve, the service will be handed over to the Department for Education. It is understood that Ofsted will inspect the services again later this month and if improvements are not made the department will take over before Christmas.
05 February 2007
Three men jailed for internet rape plot
Three men who discussed a plan to rape a schoolgirl in an online chat room have been jailed for a total of 27 years. David Beavan, 42, of Bransgore, Hampshire, Alan Hedgecock, 41, of Twickenham, southwest London and Robert Mayers, 42, of Warrington, Cheshire were found guilty of conspiracy to rape.
Three men jailed for internet rape plot
Three men who discussed a plan to rape a schoolgirl in an online chat room have been jailed for a total of 27 years. David Beavan, 42, of Bransgore, Hampshire, Alan Hedgecock, 41, of Twickenham, southwest London and Robert Mayers, 42, of Warrington, Cheshire were found guilty of conspiracy to rape.
17 October 2014
Funeral Held For Mary Shipstone, Aged 7
The funeral has taken place of seven-year-old Mary Shipstone, who was murdered by her father at her home in Northiam, Sussex. The child was buried in a private service at St Mary's Church in the village.
Funeral Held For Mary Shipstone, Aged 7
The funeral has taken place of seven-year-old Mary Shipstone, who was murdered by her father at her home in Northiam, Sussex. The child was buried in a private service at St Mary's Church in the village.
23 March 2007
Top US shows to be placed online
In a broadside against the rise of video sharing websites, Fox and NBC Universal are set to launch an Internet video distribution network to provide top television and film online.
Top US shows to be placed online
In a broadside against the rise of video sharing websites, Fox and NBC Universal are set to launch an Internet video distribution network to provide top television and film online.
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