Facebook has refused to install the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (Ceop) centre ‘panic button’ on its page to report suspected paedophiles, but it has vowed to develop its existing system.
The social networking site has been pressured to start the ‘panic button’ on its pages, after Peter Chapman was convicted for the murder of 17-year-old Ashleigh Hall, whom he lured using Facebook, reports The BBC.
Richard Allan, director of policy for Facebook Europe, said the site did not plan to include the button, as it might be effective in principle “for other sites,” but not for Facebook. Nonetheless, the site has agreed to have links to organisations including the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (Ceop) centre on its reporting pages.
Jim Gamble, head of Ceop, wants the button to be on the front page of every profile page, “so that children are reassured and empowered, so are their parents and offenders are deterred. That’s the key.” Websites such as Bebo are already using the ‘panic button’.
Facebook said it was “deeply saddened by the tragic death” of Hall.
