Instant messaging (IM)

What are the risks?

Instant Messaging (IM) programs present a risk of downloading a virus to your computer through the exchange of images and/or files.
Kids may be directed to website links outside of the IM program (e.g. false login pages, sexually explicit material and/or violent content, etc.).

Youth may send nude images to peers without understanding that the images can be forwarded or permanently posted online.
Kids may accept friend/buddy requests from people they don't know in person.

Sexual offenders may hijack IM accounts and coerce children/adolescents to send nude or partially-clothed images of themselves.
Usernames/passwords can be hijacked through fraudulent login pages.
Kids may encounter "chatbots" when using IM programs. Chatbots are programs that are setup to engage and respond to individuals through technologies such as 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.