MSN to Limit Chat Service in Most Markets

[newyawker99]

Microsoft Corp. is shutting down Internet chat services in most of its markets around the world and limiting the service in the United States to help reduce criminal solicitations of children through online discussions.

The changes also should help Microsoft shed some nonpaying users that have dragged on profits, said an analyst who follows the software giant.

The changes, which will take effect Oct. 14, were disclosed Tuesday.

In most of its 34 markets in Europe, Latin America and Asia, Microsoft MSN has chosen to simply shut down the service. However, MSN will continue to offer chat services to users in the United States, Canada, Japan and Brazil.

bye bye chat

[lazarus]

1. note, however

that this is the MSN online chatroom service, not MSN Messenger service. I don't know anyone who uses the chatrooms.

[Chico Man]

2. You can easily spawn a chatroom from MSN messenger

Actions -> Got to chat rooms

Although just about any time spent there is completely worthless (IMHO). The majority of users there are "bots" trying to trick you into clicking on their profile.