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Cybersmile Experiences 900% Increase In People Seeking Help For Chatroulette Related Problems

The surge of requests comes as an influx of younger internet users are feared to have signed up for Chatroulette accounts during the lockdown. If you are affected by anything touched on within this article, follow the links to our various support services or click on the blue logo icon at the bottom right of the screen to start using Cybersmile Assistant, our smart AI support assistant.

Since the beginning of the lockdown in March, Cybersmile has experienced a huge increase in the number of support related enquiries from users of the controversial webcam-based online chat platform Chatroulette. Users are seeking help for a wide range of issues which include anxiety and revenge porn through the Help Center and Cybersmile Assistant, our AI support assistant.

“It is important that people understand the high level of risk associated with Chatroulette and other webcam-based platforms. The huge increase in requests for help with this particular platform indicates a need for more education and awareness – especially for parents and young people.”

Dan Raisbeck, Co-founder, The Cybersmile Foundation

The surge of requests comes as an influx of younger internet users are feared to have signed up for Chatroulette accounts during the lockdown, with many of them not prepared or equipped to deal with the realities of the platform which is unsuitable for young people.

Chatroulette became a prominent social platform after launching in 2002 with widespread concerns that under-aged users were being exposed to explicit content and were open to blackmail by sexual predators.

“Many of these platforms do have policies to support users under 18 years of age, however we must reiterate to parents that there are very real risks for users – especially for the young and vulnerable.”

Dan Raisbeck, Co-founder, The Cybersmile Foundation

Social media companies have an obligation to ensure that users are safe and that they can report unacceptable content or behavior. However, without adequate preventative measures to protect young and vulnerable users in place – children are being exposed to potentially harmful content on webcam-based chat platforms such as Chatroulette on a daily basis.

Many social media platforms including Twitter and Instagram have made huge strides in addressing safety issues on their platforms and we strongly encourage other companies to do the same. If a company is facilitating the connection between complete strangers online then they must do everything they can to protect their users, especially the young and vulnerable.

If you are affected by anything touched on within this article, we can help you. Visit our Help Center or click on the blue logo icon at the bottom right of the screen to open Cybersmile Assistant, our smart AI support assistant. To learn more about Cybersmile and our work, please explore the following recommendations:

Have you or someone you know experienced issues with Chatroulette? Let us know by contacting us or tweet us @CybersmileHQ.