Microsoft Puts Police Link on Messenger

SirClicksalot writes "Microsoft is working together with the UK Child Exploitation & Online Protection Centre to help protect Windows Live Messenger Users. UK users will be able to report suspected sexual predators directly to the police. From the article: 'Microsoft will add a "report abuse" icon to Messenger that will link any users worried about their anonymous internet buddies directly to online police services. Set up earlier this year to provide a single point of contact for the public, law enforcers and the communications industry to report the targeting of children online, CEOP offers advice and information to parents and potential victims of abuse and works with police forces around the world to protect children.'"

Comments

Re:abuse

[56ker]

IANAL but,:-

"
Wasting police time - section 5(2) Criminal Law Act 1967

(Archbold 28-224)

The offence of wasting police time is committed when a person

        * causes any wasteful employment of the police by
        * knowingly making to any person a false report orally or in writing tending to:
        * show that an offence has been committed; or,
        * give rise to apprehension for the safety of any persons or property; or,
        * show that he has information material to any police inquiry.

It is a summary only offence carrying a maximum penalty of six months' imprisonment and/or a level 4 fine.

The public interest will favour a prosecution in any one of the following circumstances:-

        * police resources have been diverted for a significant period (for example 10 hours);
        * a substantial cost is incurred, for example a police helicopter is used or an expensive scientific examination undertaken;
        * when the false report is particularly grave or malicious;
        * considerable distress is caused to a person by the report;
        * the accused knew, or ought to have known, that police resources were under particular strain or diverted from a particularly serious inquiry;
        * there is significant premeditation in the making of the report;
        * the report is persisted in, particularly in the face of challenge.

"

Just in case you were wondering a level 4 fine is £2500.

That's from the Crown Prosecution Service's website.

Re:"Honestly officer, I didn't know it's illegal..

[legoburner]

just in case this term has not made it across the pond yet, grooming in that context means preparing someone for an adult relationship - eg; convincing them that they want to try something which they otherwise would not have.

Re:abuse

[ari{Dal}]

Charges for filing false police reports are all fine and good, but how much do you think that's going to mitigate circumstances?

Eg:

"Headline news: Alleged pedophile Joe Sixpack arrested and detained after revolutionary new feature in MSN allows users to report for soliciting sex from underaged kids."

Two months later, page 38, buried somewhere beneath an ad for preperation H: "Joe Sixpack acquitted of all charges. Fanny Jones arrested for filing a false police report."

Once you're accused of being a pedophile, the damage is already done.