NetModerator aims to monitor child safety on interactive communities

NetModerator will analyse online activity such as conversation, messaging, and other forms of chat – flagging up potentially inappropriate words, phrases or patterns of behaviour, which are then brought to the attention of a group of moderators.

These moderators will then take any action that they deem necessary.  NetModerator is unlike traditional and already-available child safety filters/applications, which until now have only been able to block inappropriate words and phrases, by taking into account behavioural patterns – which could, taken out of context, seem innocent – and drawing attention to them if it’s considered necessary.

eModeration's CEO Tamara Littleton said: ““The NetModerator technology alerts our moderators to a remark that might seem, on its own, perfectly innocent.  For example, one player saying to another “where are your parents?” or “where is your computer?” would not necessarily raise an alarm. 

“But if you know that this same person has been asking other, similar questions to other children in a virtual community, you could be looking at a very different situation.  Now, we can track conversations as they happen between children in these communities, and take swift action if necessary, to ensure that they are kept safe.”

In May, Littleton presented an overview of new moderation techniques at the “Children in Virtual Worlds” conference, organised by the BBC and University of Westminster.  She has also written a report on creating safe online environments for children - Five Techniques For Creating Safer Environments For Children.

www.crispthinking.com/netmoderator.htm