Written question asked by Margaret Moran (Labour) on Thursday, 28 June 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 2 July 2007. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Thursday, 5 July 2007 on behalf of the Home Office.

Children: Abuse

Question: (2) what discussions she has had with those hosting social networking sites on child protection issues.

Answer: The Government are aware of the wider concerns that social networking websites have raised. Although they enable young people to share their interests with other young people, clearly there is a potential for misuse.Some of the major social networking services have been invited to join the Home Secretary's taskforce for child protection on the internet. In addition, a sub-group of the taskforce, which includes representatives from social network providers, law enforcement and children's charities, has been set up to look at the safety issues for children caused by the development and growth of social networking sites and develop good practice guidelines.

Secondary information