MSN encourages kids to identify dodgy messengers

Those who use Windows Live Messenger or MSN Messenger to chat online will now be able click on a tab featuring the CEOP's "report abuse" icon, which then links directly to online police services.

Both parties hope this will allow users, especially young people, to report suspicious behaviour and instances of inappropriate contact of a sexual nature. Safety tips on how to safeguard personal details or how to spot a potential threat, will also appear alongside the tab.

Jim Gamble, CEOP chief executive, said: "What Microsoft and the CEOP are doing today is saying is 'enough is enough'. By working together in a very clear and tangible way we can safeguard children from online sexual predators.

"Behind the report abuse button will sit police and intelligence officers who have been specially trained to tackle child sex abuse. We will tell you how to capture information and how to seize online discussions and then proactively do all we can to track down the perpetrator."

Through the icon and link to the CEOP website, users from anywhere in the world can also access the Virtual Global Taskforce, an international alliance of Interpol and law enforcement agencies in the UK, US, Canada and Australia.

Carrie Bogner, senior director of citizenship at Windows Live, said: "We take the safety and security of young people online very seriously. People can already control who they do and don't allow onto their Messenger buddy list -- the new CEOP tab launched today is another safety feature that will make Windows Live and MSN Messenger safer still."

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This article was first published on brandrepublic.com