| Ask.fm's New Owners Promise Big Safety Changes |
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By: Jessica Cherok |
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 Tinder has bought the problematic website Ask.fm and promised to “invest millions” in improving the site’s safety features for its users.
Ask.fm has been linked to several teenage suicides in recent years. Users post questions and receive responses from other site users. However, many end up being cyberbullied in response to their questions. Ask.fm repeatedly faced harsh criticism for their lax policies related to use.
As part of the buyout, Ask.fm’s founders will have to leave the company. The New York Attorney General has entered into an agreement with IAC (the company that owns Tinder) to revamp Ask.fm’s security policies. Part of the revamp includes responses to complaints within 24 hours, the appointment of an independent safety officer, establishing a safety board, as well as hiring more moderators.
The AG and IAC spokesman stated, “together we are focused on instilling the right policies and procedures to ensure a safe and more enjoyable experience for millions of users.”
IAC says it bought Ask.fm because it saw the value of the site and they knew they could improve upon its system. Their plan is to quickly completely revamp security and begin the process of repairing the site’s negative image.
InterActiveCorp, IAC, also owns About.com, Tinder, Urbanspoon, OKCupid, College Humor, Match, Vimeo, and others.
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Jessica Cherok is an advocate for online privacy, campaigning for ethical data practices and the protection of personal privacy.
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