Facebook in discussions to install 'panic button' link

London, May 28 (ANI): Social networking site Facebook has confirmed that it is in discussion to install a "panic button" on its pages that would link users directly to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre.

Richard Allan, Facebook's director of public policy for Europe, revealed that the company is working "very closely" with Ceop on the project.

"We have continued talking to Ceop and are working very closely with them on a Facebook application that allows Facebook users, when they have concerns, to connect with Ceop," Sky News quoted him as saying.

Facebook had refused to answer to Ceop's call to add "panic buttons" to its pages despite public concern following the conviction of a serial rapist who used the site to meet an unsuspecting teenage girl.

It had at first claimed that it had its own "safety net" to ensure its users were secure online, but now it appears that the social networking site has backed down.

Ceop representatives have cautiously welcomed the surprise announcement.

"We have been in dialogue with Facebook for some time," a spokesperson said.

"The recent public discussions were born out of frustration that we could not reach an agreement.

"Obviously we cannot confirm progress until we have an agreement in place with Facebook, but we are continuing to work with them," the spokesperson stated.

Facebook has also confirmed its willingness to continue working with Ceop.

"We have had a number of constructive meetings and are working on a range of innovative approaches that will help educate and raise awareness of how to keep safe online," it added. (ANI)