Microsoft IM Blocking YouTube Links

Posted by kdawson on Saturday May 10, 2008 @04:59AM 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.

3 of 364 comments (clear)

Re:First by dgatwood · 2008-05-10 05:02 · 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. :-)

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Re:I call BS by Anpheus · 2008-05-10 05:50 · 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!
Re:This seems rather foolish by KrazyA1pha · 2008-05-10 06:21 · Score: 4, Funny

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