[LINK] ninemsn chat stopped in Oct 2003??

[Adam Todd]

I was rather intrigued by this notice on msn.com's chat page.  Yet it still 
seems chat is available?




ninemsn Chat

As part of an overall effort by ninemsn and Microsoft to provide consumers 
with a safer, more secure and positive overall online experience, ninemsn 
has decided to no longer offer ninemsn Chat in this market beginning 
October 14 2003. However, ninemsn will continue to provide special event 
chats with celebrity guests.
This change is intended to help protect ninemsn users from unsolicited 
information such as spam and to protect children better from inappropriate 
communication online. In the remaining weeks before MSN chatrooms are 
closed, please continue to contact our support teams should you witness or 
experience any abusive or suspicious activity. ninemsn advises you not to 
disclose any personal details or e-mail addresses in chat rooms.
Why is ninemsn doing this?

The increase in abuse of the Internet, such as the massive growth of spam 
and the increase in unsolicited and inappropriate material, particularly 
with regards to children, has led us to this decision.