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Microsoft IM Blocking YouTube Links

Posted by kdawson on from the walled-playground dept.

A number of readers are sending word that the blogosphere and Twittersphere are alight with reports of Microsoft's new block on messages containing YouTube URLs. Both MSN Messenger and Windows Live Messenger reportedly implement the block. One blogger sniffed the network to discover that such messages receive a NAK from Microsoft's servers. Microsoft has been blocking messages by keyword, as an anti-phishing measure, for some time, but *.youtube.com would not seem to provoke much worry about phishing. Instead, as B.E.T.A Daily speculates, "This block seems to be related to the recent launch of Messenger TV in 20 countries which allows for sharing video clips from MSN Video on Messenger." Hard to get away with in an arena where you don't enjoy a monopoly.

11 of 364 comments (clear)

  1. Re:First by dgatwood · · Score: 4, Funny

    Well, this is clearly designed to prevent Rickrolls.

    Well then gosh, we'd better block YouTube links everywhere. After all, won't someone think of the children? They could be scarred for life. :-)

    --

    Check out my sci-fi/humor trilogy at PatriotsBooks.

  2. And this was posted on the Slashsphere? by Leafheart · · Score: 2, Funny

    A number of readers are sending word that the blogosphere and Twittersphere WTH is a Twttersphere? A new form on the R5 space?

    --
    --- "When you gotta do something wrong. You gotta do it right. (Fighter)"
  3. Re:I call BS by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Your bosses read:

    "In fact, I sometimes get no work done because we spent a few hours checking out youtube clips"

    and decided to act.

    Now get back to work.

  4. Re:I call BS by Anpheus · · Score: 4, Funny

    Wow, a URL block fails to catch it if you change the URL's domain name? What happens if you change the TLD? Jesus christ, someone alert... the someone in charge of this madness! It must be stopped!

  5. Comment removed by account_deleted · · Score: 2, Funny

    Comment removed based on user account deletion

  6. Re:This seems rather foolish by KrazyA1pha · · Score: 4, Funny

    Well, someone certainly still has faith in humanity... N00b.

  7. Re:Someone got Rickrolled by Tranzistors · · Score: 2, Funny

    Well, the link has nothing to do MS, but I sure as hell would like it to be blocked.

  8. Re:I call BS by eihab · · Score: 2, Funny

    It's Saturday. I'm at work you insensitive clod!
    --
    If you can't mod them join them.
  9. Re:ah by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Could you switch to Digg, too, while you're at it?

  10. Re:First by civilizedINTENSITY · · Score: 2, Funny

    Wow: Results 1 - 10 of about 20,400 for sites for whining Microsoft sycophants. I never knew there were so many!

  11. You've got it all wrong by CSMatt · · Score: 2, Funny

    Microsoft is trying to lessen the stupidity of YouTube comments by blocking the posters of said comments at the source.