Microsoft closes chatrooms over paedophile fears

Computer giant Microsoft is to close most of its internet chatrooms around the world to protect youngsters from potential harm.

The landmark move follows a string of disturbing cases where paedophiles have used chatrooms to “groom” youngsters for sexual abuse.

Microsoft plans to shut almost all the chatrooms it operates through its MSN web sites in 34 countries.

The only chatrooms which will continue either have their content monitored for inappropriate messages or will be run on a subscription basis, allowing users to be easily traced.

The announcement follows the admission in court by a British man that he travelled to the US to have sex with a schoolgirl he met in an internet chatroom.

DJ Barry Beadle, 51, from Merseyside, was arrested by the FBI after spending several nights with the 14-year-old at a hotel in Iowa.

The move is also being used by MSN to combat the growing nuisance caused by unsolicited e-mails – known as spam.

Companies are known to collect e-mail addresses from those visiting chatrooms which they use to send what are often X-rated adverts, even though the recipient could be a child.

Matt Whittingham, head of customer satisfaction at MSN UK, said: “Most people treat this type of service with respect but we have found that chatrooms – and not only ours – are increasingly being used for inappropriate communications.

“Many of those using chatrooms are young and interested in sex and going out. Unfortunately we know paedophiles have exploited this and the freedom they get from chatrooms to target children.

“We have had enough of our services being used in this way which is why we have decided to close those which are free and not monitored.”

MSN will shut its free, unmoderated Chat services in all 34 countries on October 14.

A service will continue for free in New Zealand, Australia, Brazil, Canada and Japan but the contents of the chatrooms will be monitored.

The US will run a subscription-only service which requires users to disclose their credit card details.