Microsoft closure of internet chatrooms puts children at greater risk

10.26.23am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 24th Sep 2003

Paul Burstow MP, member of the Home Office Internet Child Protection Task Force, has expressed concern about today's announcement by Microsoft that it is shutting down its chatroom services in the UK.

Mr Burstow said:

"Microsoft's decision to pull out of chat services is not going to protect children from paedophiles. There is a real risk that children will switch to chat rooms that are even less safe.

"Rather than bailing out, Microsoft should be taking steps to ensure that chat is safe. There are many practical steps that can be taken, ranging from moderated chat to filtering.

"The danger now must be that children using MSN will want to keep in touch with the friends they have made in the chatroom. That need is what paedophiles pray on. Rather than running away from the problem Microsoft should be giving a lead making their chatrooms the goldstandard of Internet safety."

ENDS