ChatShield, the IM parental control tool from NetIDme is now free for parents to download. NetIDme is delighted to be able to make the software freely available, to help protect families who use Windows Live Messenger (formerly MSN) to communicate with friends.

ChatShield automatically checks all instant messaging (IM) contacts against the NetIDme identity verification service, and simply stops any unidentifiable contacts from sending or receiving instant messages to/from your children.

Visit the ChatShield website to download the free plug-in.

The NetIDme Stranger Danger Media Campaign, managed by Weber Shandwick Scotland, has been shortlisted for two CiPR Pride Awards. The winners will be announced on 16th November 2007. NetIDme received the prestigious European-wide SABRE award for Media Relations earlier this year.
NetIDme campaign shortlisted.

Child abuse specialists  at a new police unit will study hundreds of hours of interviews with abusers to determine how they think & behave. The data will be used to identify behaviour patterns & to build criminal profiles. Read the full story on the BBC website

More NetIDme News

NetIDme are looking for a Senior .Net developer to join the NetIDme team in developing a suite of pioneering software products in the digital identity and communications arena.

NetIDme Vacancies

A SKY reporter has been investigating the darker side to the virtual world Second Life - and found an area called “Wonderland” that is being used by child abusers. The reporter created his own character in the virtual world to carry out his investigation over a number of months. Read the full story on SKY News

NetIDme Age Verification

NetIDme Article: Age verification expert urges gaming websites to take new gambling act seriously. All UK gaming sites must now carry out age verification checks - Read the full NetIDme article at TMCnet

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Facebook Inc, has agreed to settle a child safety probe in New York, the New York state attorney said on Tuesday.

“Social networking sites, popular among young people, have quickly gained members and appeal, but also act as a magnet for those who would prey on the young,” New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo said.

Under the terms of the settlement, Facebook has agreed to begin addressing any complaint within 24 hours of being told of inappropriate content — involving such things as nudity, profanity or harassment — by a user or e-mail correspondent.

Another study by PEW Internet this week says that 32% of online teens have been contacted by someone with no connection to them or any of their friends, and 7% of online teens say they have felt scared or uncomfortable as a result of contact by an online stranger. (See the full PEW report)

Read other NetIDme news

Social networking sites are facing increased pressure from state law enforcement officials in the US to introduce age verification technology aimed at rooting out online sexual predators. See full article.

NetIDme Age Verification

Excerpt from NetIDme News:

To mark it’s ten year anniversary and to raise awareness of its work combating online child sexual abuse images, the Internet Watch Foundation are hosting a series of road show conferences:

31 October 2007, Grosvenor Hilton, Edinburgh

8 November 2007, Radisson SAS, Belfast

21 November 2007, Millennium Copthorne Hotel, Cardiff

Conferences begin at 11am, are hosted by a local MP, feature an in-depth presentation by the IWF and lead into an expert panel discussion inviting comments and questions from delegates. Lunch will follow and events will finish at 1.30pm.

Places are limited, register online