Social media website Ask.fm has changed its safety policy following the suicide of Hannah Smith. Smith, 14, was a user of the website whose page received anonymous abuse in the weeks leading up to her death. At time of publication, the source of the messages had not been identified.
The website, based in Latvia, has added a ‘report abuse’ button to the site, and hired more staff members to investigate abuse within 24 hours of it being reported. A separate site with information for parents has also been launched. The site is also asking users to register which will allow IP addresses and emails to be captured.
In a statement, the website said: ‘At Ask.fm we want our users to be able to have fun, share information, make friends and express themselves freely. We also want them – particularly our younger users – to be able to do this in a safe environment.’
NSPCC safer technology expert Claire Lilley said: ‘While they are being implemented, children and young people are likely to continue to suffer. All social networking sites need to make sure that they are safe and welcoming places for children and young people and that any bullying or harassment by users is not tolerated.’
Sean Skinner, Premier Media Group’s head of social media and a volunteer youth leader said: ‘All websites have a moral and legal responsibility to keep their users safe from abuse. While this change should help silence internet bullies, it has tragically come too late.’
