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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)
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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24 September 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.
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.
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.
07 September 2015
BBC Unveils Proposals For Its Future
The BBC has outlined its plans to become "more open and more distinctive" in the future. The proposals are said to herald "a fundamental change of approach for the Corporation", and will reveal how the broadcasters' services will adapt and change in order to meet audience needs for the next decade.
BBC Unveils Proposals For Its Future
The BBC has outlined its plans to become "more open and more distinctive" in the future. The proposals are said to herald "a fundamental change of approach for the Corporation", and will reveal how the broadcasters' services will adapt and change in order to meet audience needs for the next decade.
28 January 2008
BBC Trust Approve Gaelic Digital Service
The BBC Trust’s decision to approve proposals for a Gaelic Digital Service has been welcomed by Gaelic Media Service (GMS) and BBC Scotland. GMS and BBC Scotland will now begin the process of implementing their joint plans for the launch of the new service.
BBC Trust Approve Gaelic Digital Service
The BBC Trust’s decision to approve proposals for a Gaelic Digital Service has been welcomed by Gaelic Media Service (GMS) and BBC Scotland. GMS and BBC Scotland will now begin the process of implementing their joint plans for the launch of the new service.
22 January 2004
Plight of homeless ex-servicemen highlighted
A report into the issue of homelessness amongst ex-servicemen has found that "significant progress" has been made.
Plight of homeless ex-servicemen highlighted
A report into the issue of homelessness amongst ex-servicemen has found that "significant progress" has been made.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
