Instant Messaging (IM)

What are the risks?

Content:

  • Kids may be directed to website links outside of the Instant Messaging (IM) program to false login pages, sexually explicit material and/or violent content.
  • IM programs also may present a risk for downloading a virus to your computer.

Conduct:

  • Kids may accept friend/buddy requests from people they don't know in person.
  • Usernames /passwords may be hijacked through fraudulent login pages.

Contact:

  • Sexual offenders may hijack IM accounts and coerce children to send nude or partially-clothed images of themselves.
  • Kids may encounter "chatbots" when using IM programs. Chatbots are programs that are setup to engage and respond to individuals through IM programs to appear as though they are human. Some are created for entertainment or educational purposes; however, there are a number of bots created for malicious purposes. Chatbots can be used to direct individuals to particular websites with adult or harmful material. They may also be used to capture and track personal information from individuals responding to them.