August 13, 2010 by Matt Thomas
Following calls from a number of Facebook members to enhance security on the site for vulnerable members, the social networking giant implemented a panic button. The button is designed to alert authorities if anyone felt that they were at risk from online predators using Facebook to groom or otherwise prey on users.
According to The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (Ceop), more than 200 people have used the panic button since it was launched last month, as a means of reporting suspicious behaviour. Ceop, which created the application to safeguard Facebook users, state that this figure represents an increase of reports by seven times the norm.
Facebook were initially resistant to the idea of launching a panic button, but was pressurized in to it following the brutal murder of 17-year-old Ashleigh Hall. Ashleigh was enticed to meet convicted sex offender Peter Chapman through Facebook. Following her death, a significant number of police backed the campaign from all over the UK in support of Ceop’s plans.
A Ceop spokesperson commented: “We have no statistics to say this is the highest we have ever had – although experience suggests it is. All the reports have been acted upon, and prompted a number of ongoing investigations. There have been some very serious allegations. The application, which allows users to report abuse to Ceop with one click, has been downloaded more than 55,000 times.”
“It is all about making it easier to report abuse on Facebook. Previously it would take six clicks to make a report – it was long winded and difficult. We deal with between 500 and 700 reports every month from across the web. Around 50% come from the public, while other sources may be police agencies here and abroad, online moderators, worried parents and NGOs”.
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