Check Traffic

Check Traffic
Live Cameras, Conditions

°

Homepage / Technology
Text Size

Yahoo Pulls Plug On Child-Sex Chat Rooms Following Report

Houston Man Sues Yahoo For Hosting Rooms

UPDATED: 9:29 am CDT June 21, 2005

Internet giant Yahoo has cracked down on chat rooms geared toward luring children -- the same rooms exposed in Houston television station KPRCs' online investigation two weeks ago.

The move is being noticed by millions of Internet users from around the world. Many are outraged that their favorite chat rooms were shut down along with the sex-themed rooms.

Video

The station first reported on May 30 that major sponsors pulled their ads after a station investigation found the companies that were funding Yahoo chat rooms aimed at sex with children.

Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of chat rooms were shut down. A blank screen was all that greeted chat room users Monday.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children said the closed chat rooms would make an incredible difference in keeping children safe online.

Last month, the TV station found Yahoo hosting a long list of chat rooms geared toward sex with children. They also found men lining up for sex meetings with kids or to trade lewd pictures.

The rooms were named the following:

  • 9-17-Year-Olds Wantin' Sex
  • Younger Girls 4 Older Guys
  • Girls 13 And Under For Older Guys
  • Girls 13 And Up For Much Older Man
  • Girls 8 to 13 Watch Boys (In A Particular Sex Act)

They were all listed under "education" chat rooms, which was blank on Monday.

Houston lawyer Adam Voyles has filed a $10 million lawsuit against Yahoo for hosting the rooms, and he said the move is an admission that Yahoo recognizes children were being victimized, and now it's going to be fixed.

Yahoo is not commenting beyond the notice that's now printed for all chat users to read. It states, "The ability to publish user-created chat rooms is currently unavailable. We are working on improvements to this service to enhance the user experience and compliance with our terms of service," which means the rules Yahoo users are supposed to follow.

U.S. Rep. Ted Poe told the station last month that its broadcast put Yahoo on notice, and he also said tougher laws are needed so this cannot happen again.

"Unless the providers do some self-monitoring of all of these different sites and shut them down on their own, of course, they're inviting the government to get involved into their day-to-day activities," Poe said.

The men the station found trying to arrange sex meetings with children cannot find potential victims in those rooms right now.

But there are new victims of the chat crackdown by Yahoo. Along with all the child-sex rooms, the plug was pulled on hundreds of non-sex rooms, and many computer users are sounding off on the Internet, saying they no longer have sites to chat about hobbies, games or even business ventures.

There is fiery reaction on the Internet. Some users are angry that user rooms about one topic were taken off, while rooms with opposing viewpoints were left up and running, if Yahoo actually created them. Only the user-created rooms were shut down.

Yahoo is not talking about when it may unveil its new, more restricted chat service.

Yahoo has until next month to respond to the federal lawsuit filed by a victim of child pornography. The lawsuit accuses Yahoo of profiting from the exploitation of children in the chat rooms the station exposed last month.

Lawyers say other lawsuits are possible as more victims come forward.


Links We Like
Sponsored Content
Before you hire a professional inspector learn to do your own pre-inspection to spot potential problems. More

Find out what a sputtering economy and an increasingly difficult to crack job market means to you. More

Learn how to melt off the pounds with meal plans and exercises from Jillian Michaels of TV’s Biggest Loser. MoreClick Here

It was bound to happen. There are now applications for your cell phone that can help you avoid speeding tickets as well as traffic jams. Drive carefully. More

Most Popular

Marketplace

  • AutoClick to Expand

  • JobsClick to Expand

    • Six Answers Interviewers Need To Hire You

      During the typical job interview, you'll be asked a lot of questions. But do you really understand what the interviewer needs to know?

    • Guide To Negotiating A Great Salary

      You can start laying the groundwork for your salary negotiation even before the first interview. Here's a step-by-step guide.

    • Should You Say Yes To A Buyout?

      In today’s economy, the lure of a big-bucks buyout can be tempting, but before you say yes, take the time to understand what it will mean for you.

    • Ten Rules For Interviewing

      In the current job market, you'd better have your act together, or you won't stand a chance. Check yourself on these 10 basic points before your next interview.

  • WomenClick to Expand

    • Healthy Living In Your 40s

      Your guide to looking and feeling your best.

    • Manage Stress, Find Balance

      The idea of living a balanced life may seem like an oxymoron. Yet working toward balance and self-care is key to feeling in control and more joyful at home and work.

    • Weight & Exercise: The Right Mix

      Being healthy is related to how well you take care of yourself. But it’s never too late! A woman can learn new, healthy habits at any age.

  • InsuranceClick to Expand

    • Auto Insurance Quotes

      Simply enter your zip code and get great deals on your car insurance from the top companies. Click here and start saving today!

    • Health Insurance Quotes

      No matter where you live, you shouldn’t have to pay too much for health insurance. Your zip code is all you need and we’ll do the rest to find you great insurance rates.

    • Home Insurance Quotes

      Your home is your most valuable asset. So make sure you have coverage that fits your needs and doesn’t break the bank.

    • Life Insurance Quotes

      What would happen to your family if you were suddenly gone? Don’t leave their future to chance and find top quality life insurance before it’s too late.

    • Business Insurance Quotes

      Don’t take chances when it comes to insuring your business. To get the best rates from top companies in your area just enter your zip code.

  • HomesClick to Expand

Sponsored Links