Internet Chat Protection Software for Children
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY
S CALL COMMUNICATIONS
(September 8, 2005) –
MONTGOMERY, TEXAS - S Call Communications LLP, a technology
developer in the fields of telecommunications and computer software
aimed at improving user personal security, today announced the
release of ChatGuard software.
ChatGuard, which can be
purchased online at
www.chatprotection.com has the capability of alerting legal
authorities and parents to unwanted solicitations from unknown
adults towards children in online chat rooms.
In some states, online
sexual solicitation of a child is not illegal; ChatGuard works to
block chat room solicitors, and provides law enforcement officials
information that helps enable sting operations. Designed for home
computer deployment, ChatGuard integrates invisibly with common chat
room interfaces and monitors online dialogues for words and phrases
that indicate potential criminal behavior. Upon detection of such
behavior, alerts are sent to parents and local law enforcement
agencies. ChatGuard also provides information about the solicitor,
such as location, user name, and chat log, all of which can be
accessed and searched by law enforcement authorities through a
secure web server.
“My initial intention
was to develop a software product that protects children by
contacting law enforcement in the event of online solicitation and
aid in arrests,” said Mike Simms, president and CEO of S Call
Communications. “After learning that online solicitation is not a
crime, I placed focus squarely on blocking solicitors from
children.”
Not only does ChatGuard
monitor the computer on which it is installed, it also monitors
other users in a chat room. ChatGuard identifies specific chat
patterns that are used to gain the confidence of a child, which is a
precursor to sexual solicitation.
ChatGuard uses a law
enforcement library to identify words and phrases from actual log
files of sexual solicitors. Law enforcement officials have the
ability to add words and phrases to the library. Additionally, law
officials can add usernames of individuals being investigated to the
Blocked User List, search for specific words or phrases, review log
files, and obtain IP information on the solicitor. Once a
solicitor’s username is blocked, all ChatGuard users are protected
from that predator.
Parents are also given
power with ChatGuard. They have the option of setting up a parental
library of terms, such as “skip school” or “sneak out.” Upon
detection of these terms, the parent receives an email alert.
Parents can also block specific chat rooms. ChatGuard also keeps
personal information such as address and phone numbers from being
sent or received.
According to the
University of New Hampshire Crimes Against Children Research Center
(CCRC), one out of four youth who used the Internet regularly last
year was exposed to unwanted pornography, and nearly one in five
encountered unwanted sexual solicitations and approaches. Few of
these incidents were reported to authorities, and more than half
were not disclosed to parents.
About S Call
Communications, L.L.P.
S Call Communications, a
privately held company based in Montgomery, Texas, is a technology
developer in the fields of telecommunications and computer software
aimed at improving personal security for its users. S Call
specializes in practical, easy-to-use communications applications
that provide safeguards designed to protect families and individuals
against predators, but do not interfere with daily routines.
About Mike Simms
Mike Simms, president
and CEO of S Call Communications, has more than 30 years of
experience in the telecommunications industry, including technology
development, deployment, and management of voice and data networks.
His critical insights into the market, coupled with access to the
latest technological trends, have enabled him to build S Call’s core
platforms efficiently and quickly. His strong sense of family values
and personal security drives the company’s mission and product
development.
Chat Guard
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