Law Commons^™

Bloom V. Commonwealth: Identifying The Face Behind The Instant Message, Jessica Clair Cobaugh

Richmond Journal of Law & Technology

"You have an instant message from Naturalbornkiller2000. Would you like to accept it?" A similar message to this one flashes on computers throughout the United States and the world, inviting computer users to "chat" or "IM" with friends, family and perfect strangers alike. While the opportunity to engage in real-time conversation over the Internet provides an interesting and often less expensive way to keep in touch with friends or to meet new people, instant messages and other Internet communications increasingly appear as a means for adults to interact inappropriately with young children. The use of Internet communication for the solicitation …