Social networking site Bebo launches a new safety system aimed to prevent inappropriate content and online bullying on its site.
Bebo.com, the social networking website has announced that it will launch a new safety system next week, and will also appoint a safety officer for Ireland.
The popular site used mainly by teenagers has 24 million users in six countries, with 600,000 users here in Ireland. The online Bebo experience is not always a pleasant one for young people, as inappropriate material and bullying messages have been posted.
The social networking company needs to take responsibility and monitor content to ensure that what young people see is appropriate for their age group, says Fionnuala Kilfeather of the National Parents Council, as
They're going to be making a great deal of money out of this site.
Up to now Bebo has relied on users to report inappropriate or offensive content, with a team of ten staff dedicated to removing the material within twenty four hours. The company has acknowledged that quicker response times and a new safety features are necessary.
Vice president of business development and sales at Bebo Jim Scheinman told RTÉ News that the volume of content also poses a challenge, but
We have been working on technology...we will be able to monitor the photos before they go up on the site.
The National Centre for Education and Technology which recommended the appointment of a safety officer for the social networking site says that it is a step in the right direction, but emphasises that as the target market for Bebo is students,
It does bear a responsibility to make them aware of the potential risks of using the service.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 25 May 2006. The reporter is Jonathan Clynch.
