Habbo caught up in child sex scandal / Habbo Mute

[Knewitall]

What does this even help? The ones the mute is for probably don't even know it's intentional. They just sit there on their beds showing the signs 6 and 9...

[David]

http://icap.me/i/d4Yeip9iEU.png

[Alba]

Considering they're teenagers on a game which has just hit the news, I think they're just messing around rather than having any formal intention of contacting higher management! :P
Hopefully.

[MKR&*42]

excuse me wow you're getting too big for your boots!! ;l


Haha, it's just stupid. They clearly went on with the intention to expose something like this... I assume their viewing figures were suffering.. :P
Welcome to HxF, by the way!


ewwww... it will only be a matter of time until Channel 4 are knocking on your forum door.


it's already bad? :S:S ;)


LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.


Imagine if Channel 4 exposed the amount you've spent.... :O... I went there..


Look what that RevPaul said ughh.... tedious little man.
.@UKTesco (https://twitter.com/UKTesco) Well done you. Every little helps. ;)

---------- Post added 12-06-2012 at 10:01 PM ----------


Care to share how you got it? ;)

I wonder if Habbo gift cards will be reduced in price tomorrow!!!! omg!! yeah pls look in the newspapers and post photos!!


agreed!!


Your message abut Kim Jong DirtiBoii was fantastic, hahahaha.

For my posts - Yeah, that was me who immediately told the girl I was having sex with her ;/ sorry. I've let down the hotel.

LMFAO FINE OK. Right (martin died on msn), my mum found out '09 that i was playing Habbo ye right and I thought she thought I'd stopped playing ages ago but apprently she didn't and for my 16TH BIRTHDAY. she bought me one of those bloody cards LMFAO.

-Crawls into a shell-

[xxMATTGxx]

The BBC chipped in as well. It's only a matter of time till ITV get their hands on this as well :L



Thanks for the warm welcome :)

They already have:

http://www.itv.com/news/2012-06-12/habbo-hotel-children-site-labelled-a-paedophile-haven/

[TonyBest]

Spotted this on Channel 4's website incase any1 missed it on the news earlier:
http://www.channel4.com/news/striptease-and-cyber-sex-my-stay-at-habbo-hotel

[Xedia]

They already have:

http://www.itv.com/news/2012-06-12/habbo-hotel-children-site-labelled-a-paedophile-haven/

This gets better and better. Channel 5? Newsround? Sky news?

[geo]

http://icap.me/i/d4Yeip9iEU.png

Should have muted him. Is that him holding the sign? I don't think it is, but was just wondering.
omg i hope my parents don't see the news, i'll be lectured. :(

OMG OMG OMG buttons;
LM<FAOOOO THE BOY IN THE BLACK BOBBLE HAT AND ORANGE JUMPER IS RAZ LMFAO
HE THE PEDO!!!!
http://news.images.itv.com/image/file/44407/article_806724a56f5a889e_1339532704_9j-4aaqsk.jpeg

[Tom]

http://icap.me/i/d4Yeip9iEU.png

LOL, well... ;)

[Samantha]

I don't think Channel 4's taken it too far? I think it's Habbo, it's like they punish everyone for a few individuals like the Easter Egg competition last year. Yeah Channel 4 chose to go in them rooms but Habbo allowed them.

[GoldenMerc]

LOL, well... ;)

Is that actually real

[Mathew]

For my posts - Yeah, that was me who immediately told the girl I was having sex with her ;/ sorry. I've let down the hotel.

LMFAO FINE OK. Right (martin died on msn), my mum found out '09 that i was playing Habbo ye right and I thought she thought I'd stopped playing ages ago but apprently she didn't and for my 16TH BIRTHDAY. she bought me one of those bloody cards LMFAO.

-Crawls into a shell-
LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL AWWWWW that is SO cute!!! aww! *pinches your cheeks*


They already have:

http://www.itv.com/news/2012-06-12/habbo-hotel-children-site-labelled-a-paedophile-haven/
I think it's funny how they take a photo of the computer screen instead of just a screenshot. Makes it seem so much more dramatic!! :O!!!

[Storking]

The real problem is Habbo not taking the cyber sex issue too far. If they're aiming the game at people as young as 13, they should not be tolerating strip clubs and cyber sex at all. There is no way round it and i'm glad it's been exposed!

[MKR&*42]

LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL AWWWWW that is SO cute!!! aww! *pinches your cheeks*


I think it's funny how they take a photo of the computer screen instead of just a screenshot. Makes it seem so much more dramatic!! :O!!!

:'( SHHHH LOL. It's not my fault :(. Slightly worried she'll see the news tomoz though.
Martin; you're such a **** for trying to convince me it was closing LOOOOOOL.

[Mathew]

I don't think Channel 4's taken it too far? I think it's Habbo, it's like they punish everyone for a few individuals like the Easter Egg competition last year. Yeah Channel 4 chose to go in them rooms but Habbo allowed them.

What happened at Easter? :O

Habbo allowed them because Habbo is simply a platform. You don't blame Facebook for inappropriate photographs that might appear on your newsfeed. The same applies here.

[Jordy]

I've come back on HabboxForum to air my views on the matter seeing as it's on virtually all the major news outlets, a headline 10 minute report on Channel 4 News in prime time, trending at #4 on the BBC and it's also being spoke about a lot on Twitter (Although I don't believe its trended).

This is incredibly damaging for Habbo Hotel and I honestly don't think it can bounce back from this. It's been pointed out growth in Habbo has been stagnant for around 5 years and if I'm honest I think this marks the decline of Habbo Hotel and I don't say that to scare people or just to make an outrageous comment, I firmly believe this. The whole things about it being closed down are utter rubbish however, that won't happen any time soon. Investors pulling out and Tesco supposedly pulling the sale of the gift cards are particularly bad news though and will only contribute further to its decline.

Habbo has always prided its self on the safety of it's users and for years to come whenever "Habbo" is Googled, these incredibly damaging news reports will be right near the top of search engine results. Any parent who wants to check out whether the game is safe for their child will first of all Google it, when they see a Channel 4 article near the top of the results calling it a paedofile's haven, that's it, game over.

The media has ruthlessly attacked Habbo and it's reputation is permanently in shatters, it will be remembered as a paedofiles haven thanks to this and as has already been pointed out, there's a risk more paedofiles will simply be attracted to it (even if Sulake do start clamping down, which I suppose they have already). The PR response from Sulake to this matter is awful, Paul Lafontine declined an interview with the news and instead has just sent out rubbish "tweets" in defence of the company, there's been no immediate or solid reversals in Habbo policy, for instance if he were to announce the end of moderation being outsourced and the filter returned, Habbo might have a chance of a future but the damage limitation exercise by Sulake to limit the bad press surrounding Habbo has been awful to none existent.

Has the media been unfair in the way it's treated Habbo though? No. Habbo is not the same safe place it was when I joined it in 2005, whilst it's changed in virtually every way, the only way the safety of it's users has gone is down. The extreme cost cutting by Sulake has compromised it's safety by outsourcing to useless moderators in foreign countries on a poor wage with a poor grasp of the English language, there also appears to be a lot less moderators on the game as there used to be and the quality has also gone down seeing as they've got to race quickly through the call-for-helps (CFHs). The removal of the filter for "older users" was also a step too far, the Bobba filter was far more effective, especially when it was universal. There's also been a general laziness to remove the "sex" and "dating" rooms. As well as that there has been an encouragement around "dating/flirting" in the hotel, more explicit clothes than ever before (which just encourages it really) and a decline in the furniture standards with "vibrating" furni. Habbo used to have far stricter standards and was known as a 24/7 safe haven as a result. Of course it's always possible on the internet for people to get around filters or be banned later but Habbo was generally at the top of its game in the past and cost cutting measures show this is no longer the case, it is widespread throughout the hotel.

Good riddance, your reputation has been ruined by your constant demands to change everything about the game and the cost cutting has gone too far. Safety was a key selling point to the teenage social network, now it will forever be known by the media and parents as a paedofiles heaven. It's taken 11 years to build up a reputation and now it's gone.

[Lagg]

Also If you think about it, Moderators can examine pm's closer now that nobody can speak in rooms and ban necessary users who speak out of turn. This may be one of the reasons due to the world wide ban, Also they can examine cases in the help tool that have gone back a while?

[Ravingducks]

How long are they planning on having us muted? Lol.

[MKR&*42]

I've never seen an issue with adults on the game cybering on PM (but there is the problem of whether they are actually adults or not xD) as long as they've known each other for a while I suppose? But teens doing it is slightly creepy and with people who fake their age, it's just eugh.

[iBlueBox]

http://icap.me/i/d4Yeip9iEU.png

Edited picutre.

[Mathew]

Just another set-back but I'd expect it will all blow over within a few weeks!

[SackRace]

Strange!! Maybe because of that sexual thing about habbo in the news recently!

[Storking]

There have been a few paedopfile stories in the past where men were actually prosecuted (much worse press i'd think) and yet Habbo has moved on fine so this time shouldn't be any different. :)

[Smurfed-]

Strange!! Maybe because of that sexual thing about habbo in the news recently!

Lmao Catch up :P

[xxMATTGxx]

Paul tweeted this:

"says it all" with a link to this image:

https://p.twimg.com/AvOB7nwCAAILfHt.jpg:large

https://twitter.com/PaulLaFo/status/212656468699250688/photo/1

[David]

SackRace; keep up


Edited picutre.

PICUTRE.

[Mathew]

Bobba Bar is 10 times worse. I assume it's acceptable on there as it's 18+?

[Knewitall]

This was bigger than I first thought... Where will this all go?
It'd feel so wierd if Habbo just went away. It might not happen, but the risk is there and it just feels so strange.

[Michael]

Paul tweeted this:

"says it all" with a link to this image:

https://p.twimg.com/AvOB7nwCAAILfHt.jpg:large

https://twitter.com/PaulLaFo/status/212656468699250688/photo/1

Whats he trying to say?

[Mathew]

Strange!! Maybe because of that sexual thing about habbo in the news recently!
Nice work Inspector Morse.. LMAO. ;)


Paul tweeted this:

"says it all" with a link to this image:

https://p.twimg.com/AvOB7nwCAAILfHt.jpg:large

https://twitter.com/PaulLaFo/status/212656468699250688/photo/1
He only has 3 credits.. :O He was clearly unable to get some more from his local Tesco.. :(

[Xedia]

Nice work Inspector Morse.. LMAO. ;)


He only has 3 credits.. :O He was clearly unable to get some more from his local Tesco.. :(

He has no face :O

[Abdicators]

I think he's trying to say that despite the reports, Habbos all over are standing by Habbo.

[Mathew]

He has no face :O

...or friends. Awww, bless him. He must be under so much pressure at the minute. :(

[Rozi]

I think if habbo had always made it clear that these dating rooms were not encouraged and discouraged sexual behavior then this scandel would have been ridiculous, however that's just not the case.

Habbo has run adverts which encourage people to come to the site for "dating", have increasingly created furni aiding this (the BLING BED anyone?!?!??!) and has not discouraged it for a while. It says something that the shift in popular rooms has gone from games to dating rooms, and that there's actually a catagory for it now. In a way, habbo was asking for this.

[MKR&*42]

Nice work Inspector Morse.. LMAO. ;)


He only has 3 credits.. :O He was clearly unable to get some more from his local Tesco.. :(

LMAO. DIED IRL AT THAT.

He also has no friends, aww :[

[Samantha]

What happened at Easter? :O

Habbo allowed them because Habbo is simply a platform. You don't blame Facebook for inappropriate photographs that might appear on your newsfeed. The same applies here.

It was when Habbo staff lied to protect their own back when the answer to the Easter Egg Hunt competition was wrong. Someone won a Dino Egg but shouldn't have as they used another hotel to find out the answer - Habbo told us to count the other eggs whereas the other hotels didn't then deliberately deleted the article to pose as though we were in the wrong. They then went on to say that 'there are cheaters amongst us' and accused those who got the right answer 1024 (by counting every kind of egg) of cheating by going on the other hotels whereas it was those who got the answer of 839 or something who cheated. All in all someone got a free Dino Egg for cheating and everyone else who worked hard to get the answer got a badge. Yawn.

Habbo needs to get themselves sorted.

[Futz]

Whats he trying to say?

I think he's trying to tell us he can't crop properly

[Shockwave.2CC]

Habbos, due to the challenging behavior of a few users we have decided to mute the site and will update you when we have more information.

From Habbo on facebook

[GommeInc]

This is big news because it's an investor that has pulled out. The previous stories were only the calm before the storm and only lost it a reputation, rather than any major investment from big companies.

Habbo is in trouble because in its current form there is no way to stop bulllying, paedophilia and cyber sex, and unlike 18+ websites this is aimed directly for 13+ users, who are below the legal age for viewing such content and need special protection. Habbo cannot offer this protection because they cannot go out and ask their users how old they actually are and the moderation costs involved to monitor all the conversations in real time is impossible without hiring most staff - and you know what that would mean, users being prosecuted for joking around like in the past because Habbo hire morons to moderate their website - ones who do not know what context is and intent.

[Cornholio!.]

All of Habbo is muted because of the dumbasses over at Channel4.com..

[David]

From Habbo on facebook

that was the first tweet he sent

[Storking]

Whats he trying to say?

The Habbo community is strong!

[GoldenMerc]

Hes trying to say theres 132 people looking at this thread...
Nah but really this is still muted, what the hell is going on?

[GommeInc]

*snip*
Ha, seriously? Most intelligent multi-national companies would have different competitions for different regions or use different questions and answers. That is absolutely ridiculous that they used the same answer on different hotels - that's like the US using the same exam papers as Australia and all US students need to do is ask their Australian friends what questions were in the paper. Absolutely stupid.

[Storking]

If he's in Finland then it's past midnight, who exactly is doing these investigations/changes? Or are we waiting until morning. |-)

[Xedia]

Well at least this is using up people's pixels before they go.

[Pigperson]

This is so weird lol, never experienced this before, it's so quiet :D

Will

[MKR&*42]

How long till Sulake start blackmailing us for the unmute? ;)

[David]

How long till Sulake start blackmailing us for the unmute? ;)

75 pixels and 2 coins for 1 hour of chat

[Hannah]

See now, when the woman was explaining it she referred to a male who had approached her in the room as a 'man'... how does she know he wasn't some horny teenage boy like many of the players on Habbo?

[Abdicators]

If he's in Finland then it's past midnight, who exactly is doing these investigations/changes? Or are we waiting until morning. |-)

Like all companies, they have an emergency response team.

[Lee]

Yeah, needs more investigation but then again there's no denying it is a serious issue - got to take safeguarding into consideration here.

[MKR&*42]

75 pixels and 2 coins for 1 hour of chat

Their back up plan for getting rid of pixels clearly ;). As Mathew; said, all of this does seem a bit coincidental (pixels, habbo way and something else I forgot) lol.

[A4R0N]

WAT THE **** R CHANNEL 4 DOIN I AINT NO ******* PEDO

[Hannah]

WAT THE **** R CHANNEL 4 DOIN I AINT NO ******* PEDO

Everyone's a paedophile when it comes to news reporters.

[A4R0N]

lost all respect for channel 4 now cries irl

[Greed]

I log in for the only time in many ages... and I see this. I guess somethings in habbo don't change. ;) Lol.

[MKR&*42]

Any american news channels/sites reporting on this yet? @Allamericanpeople xD.

[Greed]

Any american news channels/sites reporting on this yet? @Allamericanpeople xD.



It's all over the news actually.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2158301/Habbo-Hotel-childrens-website-defences-paedophiles.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

[xxMATTGxx]

Any american news channels/sites reporting on this yet? @Allamericanpeople xD.

I had a look on a few major ones but couldn't see anything really - I may of missed it though. Although I did notice that the Daily Mail put up an article:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2158301/Habbo-Hotel-childrens-website-defences-paedophiles.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

[Mathew]

It was when Habbo staff lied to protect their own back when the answer to the Easter Egg Hunt competition was wrong. Someone won a Dino Egg but shouldn't have as they used another hotel to find out the answer - Habbo told us to count the other eggs whereas the other hotels didn't then deliberately deleted the article to pose as though we were in the wrong. They then went on to say that 'there are cheaters amongst us' and accused those who got the right answer 1024 (by counting every kind of egg) of cheating by going on the other hotels whereas it was those who got the answer of 839 or something who cheated. All in all someone got a free Dino Egg for cheating and everyone else who worked hard to get the answer got a badge. Yawn.

Habbo needs to get themselves sorted.

Ooooh, I remember something about that now! Not a good move on their part, by the looks of it!

[TonyBest]

I really am starting to think this may even spread to Sky news next

[MKR&*42]

It's all over the news actually.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2158301/Habbo-Hotel-childrens-website-defences-paedophiles.html?ito=feeds-newsxml


I had a look on a few major ones but couldn't see anything really - I may of missed it though. Although I did notice that the Daily Mail put up an article:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2158301/Habbo-Hotel-childrens-website-defences-paedophiles.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

Thanks both of you x + I didn't realise it was that "big" an issue in America right now^^ aha. Jus' gonna stay up all night nd see how it pans out internationally ;]

[Zak]

What a pathetic organisation. This was bound to happen sooner or later though, it doesn't help that Habbo blatantly don't care or have very few precautions to stop pedos. Though I'm sure this can happen.... on any online game. It's just that Habbo exploit teen flirting for profit, that's where it starts to differ from other games.

If it carries on though investors are likely to get scared and withdraw, no doubt in my mind. I'm not actually that bothered if it does close tbh

[Zelda]

Habbo should close now tbh, before it gets any worse. All they have ever done recently is make everything progressively worse and got themselves into the most sticky situations, no wonder me and tons of other people ended up practically moving to rs >:

[Pigperson]

The report is very one sided, there are the noobs and the normal people :S

Will

[Shorty]

Habbo Hotel's automated moderation system has advanced over years, yet I find it funny that Rebecca Newton (ex-staff) slagged Habbo off in the interview, yet in an interview in 2010 she said that Habbo was safe and that you have to think about members and that the moderation system is huge and easy.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXMaj-Ex6I8

[myke]

Habbo Hotel's automated moderation system has advanced over years, yet I find it funny that Rebecca Newton (ex-staff) slagged Habbo off in the interview, yet in an interview in 2010 she said that Habbo was safe and that you have to think about members and that the moderation system is huge and easy.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXMaj-Ex6I8


This is exactly what I noticed too, but she's just there to big-up moshi

[Aaron]

It's over here in Irish newspapers..

http://www.independent.ie/business/technology/habbo-hotel-childrens-site-full-of-pornographic-chat-3137156.html

[Velma.]

But they said, she got approached every time she logged on.. I mean i've been playing Habbo since 02' yeh i haven't pretended to be a girl but i've never seen so much "lets get it on" and stuff, yeh you see the odd lot of noobs playing in bed but what they were saying never seen that at all! They most likely posed as a Bacon, and went into those dating rooms, thats were all the creepers are at, and that's why those rooms are down... but if your in a random room, you most likely wouldn't get approached, because yeah.. lol, so whatev

---------- Post added 12-06-2012 at 05:24 PM ----------

Habbo had a good run:

But I think it's officially over..

[lawrawrrr]

go to eat dinner and come back to DRAMMAAAAAAAAAAA

hopefully they'll realise what they're doing (talking about the mods and the users) now though!!

[myke]

Let's just say, I think this might've really damaged the reputation!

[MKR&*42]

I for one would be upset if Habbo ended tbh? I don't think it should close but serious improvements are needed in terms of moderation :l.

[sex]

Was rebecca newton "becs"?

[October]

I don't think Channel 4's taken it too far? I think it's Habbo, it's like they punish everyone for a few individuals like the Easter Egg competition last year. Yeah Channel 4 chose to go in them rooms but Habbo allowed them.
In my opinion, the article was dead-on. It was, after all, focused on the safety side of Habbo, which is appalling. Ever since they updated the navigator, the first room that shows when you open up the hotel, you see HOT, SEXY SINGLES rooms, or NAUGHTY, SEXY BEDS, etc... Yet Sulake is claiming that doesn't happen, they close those rooms immediately, etc. They don't, or else it wouldn't have taken until today for this to happen.

If they showed anything that happens on the forums, lol.... Child pornography (with the exposures)...

[Velma.]

Any american news channels/sites reporting on this yet? @Allamericanpeople xD.
Nope. Only UK -- I live in USA, and nothing on the news!

[j0rd]

Never knew Becs was Welsh

My sister just messaged me on facebook


omg what u gonna do??? where will u groom young children now xx

[myke]

Was rebecca newton "becs"?
Yeah that's the one :-)

[Velma.]

I for one would be upset if Habbo ended tbh? I don't think it should close but serious improvements are needed in terms of moderation :l.
I personally believe Habbo should shut down for a good ONE - Three months, to reboot their programming and change everything and have mods everywhere, if they want safe, then have the mods do their job. Because lately reporting people for bad stuff, the mods do NOTHING or ban the wrong person..

[Recursion]

I personally believe Habbo should shut down for a good ONE - Three months, to reboot their programming and change everything and have mods everywhere, if they want safe, then have the mods do their job. Because lately reporting people for bad stuff, the mods do NOTHING or ban the wrong person..

That would kill even the strongest community.

[GommeInc]

In my opinion, the article was dead-on. It was, after all, focused on the safety side of Habbo, which is appalling. Ever since they updated the navigator, the first room that shows when you open up the hotel, you see HOT, SEXY SINGLES rooms, or NAUGHTY, SEXY BEDS, etc... Yet Sulake is claiming that doesn't happen, they close those rooms immediately, etc. They don't, or else it wouldn't have taken until today for this to happen.

If they showed anything that happens on the forums, lol.... Child pornography (with the exposures)...
They do seem to be brushing it under the carpet. The CEO doesn't seem to of taken it seriously, it shouldn't of taken until now for him to get his finger out to work on these threats which, I honestly believe, will never go away. It's a child brothel, as the reporter said, there's no way Habbo can monitor so many users at one given time without hiring a ton of moderators.

[Velma.]

That would kill even the strongest community. well things need to change. Habbo wants to stay out of the news than put heavy mods to do their jobs.. if not, Habbo will most likely be closed for - forever..

[Shorty]

They should probably try fast-track the guides/helpers system and get those advanced guides/helpers into place to help regulate the hotel, add a much stricter filter which is enabled for all unless your date of birth is 18 and not able to enable/disable on your choice, clamp down on these e-dating rooms and other rooms which could cause issues and just monitor the hotel a lot more stricter for awhile while reviewing their strategy.

[Storking]

I personally believe Habbo should shut down for a good ONE - Three months, to reboot their programming and change everything and have mods everywhere, if they want safe, then have the mods do their job. Because lately reporting people for bad stuff, the mods do NOTHING or ban the wrong person..

Why on earth would they need to shut down for that long?

They have 100s of moderators and all that needs to be done is to tell them to toughen up on reports! Plenty of these cyber sex rooms are reported but currently nothing is done about them. It will take a few minutes to pass out a staff message that these rooms are no longer acceptable..

[bFen]

This is ridiculous! To mute everyone so they can investigate, have you seen the public spaces?

ALL NADIAS FAULT!

[.red-bleu.]

Any american news channels/sites reporting on this yet? @Allamericanpeople xD.
news sites in Belgium and the Netherlands are reporting.

[MKR&*42]

news sites in Belgium and the Netherlands are reporting.

Wow? Bloody hell lmfao. Oh dear Sulake, GL is all I can ssya x

[October]

They do seem to be brushing it under the carpet. The CEO doesn't seem to of taken it seriously, it shouldn't of taken until now for him to get his finger out to work on these threats which, I honestly believe, will never go away. It's a child brothel, as the reporter said, there's no way Habbo can monitor so many users at one given time without hiring a ton of moderators.I felt as though Paul was trying to silence me due to me being in the Council. https://twitter.com/PaulLaFo/status/212577512650313730

He was saying that I'm pretty much wrong, that what I have experienced or seen in my years of playing Habbo wasn't true... yet Channel 4 has video of it all? lol... Of course it's real. Though now the navigator is back to the old version, you no longer see the sexy singles rooms.

I'm tired of hearing Sulake say that they are "improving" moderation, that they are working towards fixing it. Fix it already. Be improved already, don't take a month to do so.

It's been three months, nothing yet.

[xxMATTGxx]

Wow? Bloody hell lmfao. Oh dear Sulake, GL is all I can ssya x


http://www.ingame.msnbc.msn.com/technology/ingame/social-game-teens-accused-violent-pornographic-chat-824969

[.red-bleu.]

Wow? Bloody hell lmfao. Oh dear Sulake, GL is all I can ssya x

Even as in France (http://www.jeuxonline.info/actualite/35852/contenu-inapproprie-habbo-perd-principaux-investisseurs) and Finland (http://www.mtv3.fi/uutiset/it.shtml/2012/06/1565071/seksivihjailua-ja-riisuuntumispyynto---onko-habbo-hotel-turvallinen-lapsille)

[bFen]

I have to say, it's probably been mentioned but have you seen the Ads on Youtube and Facebook for Habbo!
All about dating and meeting up? They are bringing it upon themselves!

[GommeInc]

I felt as though Paul was trying to silence me due to me being in the Council. https://twitter.com/PaulLaFo/status/212577512650313730

He was saying that I'm pretty much wrong, that what I have experienced or seen in my years of playing Habbo wasn't true... yet Channel 4 has video of it all? lol... Of course it's real. Though now the navigator is back to the old version, you no longer see the sexy singles rooms.

I'm tired of hearing Sulake say that they are "improving" moderation, that they are working towards fixing it. Fix it already. Be improved already, don't take a month to do so.

It's been three months, nothing yet.
You should ask for an apology, it was incredibly stupid of him to ignore you when you are on a council (which never work and have no uses). How he is a CEO when he clearly has no interests in child protection is beyond rational thinking. Moderation is such a hot topic and has been for years, and because of this it does make you wonder if they will ever solve these problems. It's an unmoderated site with no background checks - anyone can join. If they checked everyone it would be safer, but obviously it would be far too costly and time consuming to do so and is out of the question. Habbo should just close, the industry they work in is far too dangerous and easy to exploit.

[Kushja]

Thought I would link you to the tweet where Tesco say they have removed the cards:

https://twitter.com/UKTesco/status/212630145675165696

Baha ;
Tesco Customer Care
‏UKTesco
@RevPaulCA Hello Paul, we have taken the decision to remove the Habbo Hotel Giftcard from sale.
>" Rev. Paul Farnhill ‏@RevPaulCA
.@UKTesco Well done you. Every little helps. ;)"

[MKR&*42]

LOL Jeez, can't wait till some place like New Zealand starts reporting on it ^^^^^^.

[October]

You should ask for an apology, it was incredibly stupid of him to ignore you when you are on a council (which never work and have no uses). How he is a CEO when he clearly has no interests in child protection is beyond rational thinking. Moderation is such a hot topic and has been for years, and because of this it does make you wonder if they will ever solve these problems. It's an unmoderated site with no background checks - anyone can join. If they checked everyone it would be safer, but obviously it would be far too costly and time consuming to do so and is out of the question. Habbo should just close, the industry they work in is far too dangerous and easy to exploit.Honestly I'm just annoyed that Sulake is denying the allegations which are 100% true, and then telling me, a Habbo who has played for years on a regular basis, that these actions never happen or are dealt with immediately!! they aren't, at all!

Seriously, though, Habbo is more than just the hotel: they have the site, too, and they don't moderate that nearly as much as they should. People get exposed sexually on there and it takes moderators forever to deal with it, only after hundreds of people have seen the photos and saved them.

[Storking]

Paul is very ignorant to what's actually going on in Habbo these days!

[Mathew]

I log in for the only time in many ages... and I see this. I guess somethings in habbo don't change. ;) Lol.

Welcome back to HabboxForum! :D


Baha ;
Tesco Customer Care
‏UKTesco
@RevPaulCA Hello Paul, we have taken the decision to remove the Habbo Hotel Giftcard from sale.
>" Rev. Paul Farnhill ‏@RevPaulCA
.@UKTesco Well done you. Every little helps. ;)"

Ughhhh, that guy is so cringy!! Welcome to HabboxForum, by the way! :)

The Telegraph have published it too... uh-oh!!
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/9326608/Habbo-Hotel-childrens-site-full-of-pornographic-chat.html

[GommeInc]

Honestly I'm just annoyed that Sulake is denying the allegations which are 100% true, and then telling me, a Habbo who has played for years on a regular basis, that these actions never happen or are dealt with immediately!! they aren't, at all!

Seriously, though, Habbo is more than just the hotel: they have the site, too, and they don't moderate that nearly as much as they should. People get exposed sexually on there and it takes moderators forever to deal with it, only after hundreds of people have seen the photos and saved them.
I remember it happening when I last went on - a few years ago now I think? It's been going on for so many years and now they've been exposed they're acting like it's only recent and a blip in their service. I hate it when CEOs do the usual statements: "Safety is our #1 concern". Well if it is, why did you let 20 children to be sexually abused by one 21 year old user? Eejits.

Also, it's tempting to leave a comment of "Yes he is" in your Twitter conversation - but I don't want you in trouble for being honest and filled with morals.

[MKR&*42]

Welcome back to HabboxForum! :D



Ughhhh, that guy is so cringy!! Welcome to HabboxForum, by the way! :)

The Telegraph have published it too... uh-oh!!
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/9326608/Habbo-Hotel-childrens-site-full-of-pornographic-chat.html

Telegraph article:

By Emma Barnett (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/journalists/emma-barnett/), Digital Media Editor

2:37PM BST 12 Jun 2012 19k followers (Twitter).

Oh dear, so that's potentially 19k twitter followers who could see it LOL.

[Smurfed-]

Welcome back to HabboxForum! :D



Ughhhh, that guy is so cringy!! Welcome to HabboxForum, by the way! :)

The Telegraph have published it too... uh-oh!!
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/9326608/Habbo-Hotel-childrens-site-full-of-pornographic-chat.html

Now you know ***** getting real!!

[October]

Paul is very ignorant to what's actually going on in Habbo these days!Honestly I can't believe he has the nerve to tell us how we experience the game, or what actually happens.


I remember it happening when I last went on - a few years ago now I think? It's been going on for so many years and now they've been exposed they're acting like it's only recent and a blip in their service. I hate it when CEOs do the usual statements: "Safety is our #1 concern". Well if it is, why did you let 20 children to be sexually abused by one 21 year old user? Eejits.

Also, it's tempting to leave a comment of "Yes he is" in your Twitter conversation - but I don't want you in trouble for being honest and filled with morals.Do it, I don't even care lol. I've rarely ever agreed with the man (though so many other people say I suck up to him to get on the Council?).

[Frisky]

Was bound to happen sometime.
Maybe if Habbo listened to us instead of hiring cheap foreign Moderators and allowed "BEDS" and "SEX" rooms....
We wouldn't have this problem.

You can literally offend anyone on Habbo and get away with it.
Heck, you can even pretend to be a pedophile and you'd still not get banned.

Habbo deserves everything it gets, I'm sick of coming on and seeing this sick behavior for the past 3 years being allowed.

[Mathew]

Telegraph article:

By Emma Barnett (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/journalists/emma-barnett/), Digital Media Editor

2:37PM BST 12 Jun 2012 19k followers (Twitter).

Oh dear, so that's potentially 19k twitter followers who could see it LOL.

yep! 586 people have shared it on Facebook / Twitter according to the details up the side.


Now you know ***** getting real!!
init!!! nobody messes with The Telegraph!! then again... I can never seem to control The Telegraph if I read it - it's huge..

Right now, I'm in my grabber... communicating with people through the signs. It works surprisingly well actually, haha.

[GommeInc]

Do it, I don't even care lol. I've rarely ever agreed with the man (though so many other people say I suck up to him to get on the Council?).
Done :P Whether or not it has done anything is a guessing game. I never use Twitter other than to read it :P

"Yes, he is trying to silence you. Captain of sinking ship is telling his guests they r fine when water is flowing behind him".

[MKR&*42]

yep! 586 people have shared it on Facebook / Twitter according to the details up the side.


init!!! nobody messes with The Telegraph!! then again... I can never seem to control The Telegraph if I read it - it's huge..

Right now, I'm in my grabber... communicating with people through the signs. It works surprisingly well actually, haha.

Jeez aha, the BBC article has been shared 877 times as well lmfao. + Oh, that was your grabber? :O.

See, if Sulake hadn't axed full length news articles nd started putting everything on Twitter, maybe half the hotel would know why they're muted :S.

[Kushja]

It's just a shame they've targeted specific rooms, out of how many of millions of other (types of) rooms out there, they went into the dating ones, and made allegations as if the whole hotel is like it; it's not. Not in the slightest.

It's cringey, yeah something should be done and it is about time but maybe in the wrong (PR) Sense.

Good luck Sulake ;)

Edit: They should also send out a mass message, I imagine the rest of the helpers are being constantly asked why we're muted or from users trying to ask... Chaos#1.

[Smurfed-]

init!!! nobody messes with The Telegraph!! then again... I can never seem to control The Telegraph if I read it - it's huge..

Right now, I'm in my grabber... communicating with people through the signs. It works surprisingly well actually, haha.

They're really Heavy on my paper round.

I managed to buy 6 bits of furni by using the signs :P

[mrwoooooooo]

Paul will either resign, or be sacked by the Sulake board.

[Josh]

we're soon to have preset chat messages

just like club penguin yay

[MKR&*42]

It's just a shame they've targeted specific rooms, out of how many of millions of other (types of) rooms out there, they went into the dating ones, and made allegations as if the whole hotel is like it; it's not. Not in the slightest.

It's cringey, yeah something should be done and it is about time but maybe in the wrong (PR) Sense.

Good luck Sulake ;)

Edit: They should also send out a mass message, I imagine the rest of the helpers are being constantly asked why we're muted or from users trying to ask... Chaos#1.

Yes it was an absolutely nightmare after the C4 report. I got so many tour requests from about 5 min. old accs that I jus' died :(.

[Storking]

Muted for over 3 hours.. what's taking them so long..

[October]

I'm shocked they're using a global mute because of "a few users." They didn't do stuff like this during the Lido Raids on USA lol, even when it crashed the server.

Sulake just doesn't know what to do right now.

[Kushja]

Yes it was an absolutely nightmare after the C4 report. I got so many tour requests from about 5 min. old accs that I jus' died :(.

I've put out a call for them to send a Mass Alert; no success; just get the automated "Due to the challenging behavior of a few users we have decided to mute the site and will update you when we have more information." -.-, So it looks like we just have to let them wonder around.. making more calls/thinking their computers broken ;) hah. Great times.

---------- Post added 12-06-2012 at 11:19 PM ----------


I'm shocked they're using a global mute because of "a few users." They didn't do stuff like this during the Lido Raids on USA lol, even when it crashed the server.

Sulake just doesn't know what to do right now.

Where it's gained so much publicity they have to take these measures to save their own backs; not that it looks any good if they're on maintenance or mute either way..

[MKR&*42]

I've put out a call for them to send a Mass Alert; no success; just get the automated "Due to the challenging behavior of a few users we have decided to mute the site and will update you when we have more information." -.-, So it looks like we just have to let them wonder around.. making more calls/thinking their computers broken ;) hah. Great times.

---------- Post added 12-06-2012 at 11:19 PM ----------



Where it's gained so much publicity they have to take these measures to save their own backs; not that it looks any good if they're on maintenance or mute either way..

They should really just shove us on maintenance, this muting is boring. And I'll actually do something productive if it goess to maintenance LOL.

[jasey]

yeah, uh, i don't know if things have had an aboutface (doubtful) but a few years ago it was a game for preteens to show your hooha to your online boyfriend or girlfriend — voluntarily. there have been a few legitimate, physical pedophile cases on sites like this. didn't some girl or whatever get murdered or raped through neopets a few years back? i guarantee you habbo is not a pedophile breeding ground and the whole message i am getting by reading between the lines of the articles on this case is that ...

... adults are shocked to hear their kids talking explicitly about sex!

oh my god, if only adults could have some sort of astral projection experience and visit the underneath of staircases and backs of carparks in schools, private stalls in loos, the facebook message inbox their kid uses, their kid's registration history for different websites and perhaps a viewing of what their precious daughter did last with the boy from church. i don't think 'can i c ur vagina on cam' on habbo would be so terrible for them at that point. scapegoat, i guess.

[Mathew]

I felt as though Paul was trying to silence me due to me being in the Council. https://twitter.com/PaulLaFo/status/212577512650313730
I didn't realise that was you! He's pretty much saying that because you were on the council then you're not allowed an opinion. Not good at all.


It's an unmoderated site with no background checks - anyone can join. If they checked everyone it would be safer, but obviously it would be far too costly and time consuming to do so and is out of the question.
This is the scary thing. Quite a few members of my family work with young people and the amount of paperwork that goes into this kind of thing is unbelieveable. As a Sixth Former, we had to wear ID at all times whilst in school; visitors in schools must wear ID; educational researchers must be CRB checked; teens going on work experience with young people must be CRB checked; reports must be written if a child has an accident whilst in their care - there are SO many checks and procedures in the real world, and I do think the internet is lagging behind. Current legislation is outdated and it's up to the powers that be to ensure they meet the needs of a fast-growing, evolving, dangerous, postmodern society.

[October]

I've put out a call for them to send a Mass Alert; no success; just get the automated "Due to the challenging behavior of a few users we have decided to mute the site and will update you when we have more information." -.-, So it looks like we just have to let them wonder around.. making more calls/thinking their computers broken ;) hah. Great times.

---------- Post added 12-06-2012 at 11:19 PM ----------



Where it's gained so much publicity they have to take these measures to save their own backs; not that it looks any good if they're on maintenance or mute either way..Honestly, it'd look better if it were on maintenance. The mute just proves that there are too many Habbos for the moderators to handle on their own.

[OhLiam]

They should really just shove us on maintenance, this muting is boring. And I'll actually do something productive if it goess to maintenance LOL.
OMG.. what do you mean this isn't productive? THIS IS AS PRODUCTIVE AS MY LIFE GETS, IM HAVING MARGARITAS!!

[Frisky]

It's just a shame they've targeted specific rooms, out of how many of millions of other (types of) rooms out there, they went into the dating ones, and made allegations as if the whole hotel is like it; it's not. Not in the slightest.


If I was a new user and went into any of the top 10 rooms of that hour, there would be atleast 10 people being sexually explicit towards my/other Habbos.

It's been happening for years and they've ignored it, their own fault.

[Kushja]

I guess so yeah. I wonder what the outcome is likely going to be..

[Kardan]

I never post here anymore, but after watching the news, I thought I might. Over the last 2 years or so, Habbo has truly declined from what it used to be. Ever since the hotel merge basically. It's a shame really, I remember speaking with people on here about 7 years ago, and we all wondered what the end of Habbo would be, and when it would be, but I guess this is finally the beginning of the end.

The moderation is the only problem essentially, but I guess the mass desire to make profit is more important than the mass focus on moderation that there was a few years back. It'll be interesting to see what Habbo do, and if they're able to bounce back, but I think not personally.

[xxMATTGxx]

I wonder if we will get any updates soon - I guess they could wait until later on today, maybe after a big meeting with the top dogs at Sulake. Who knows what is going on behind the scenes.

[October]

I didn't realise that was you! He's pretty much saying that because you were on the council then you're not allowed an opinion. Not good at all.I'm actually not sure what he was saying, to be honest. I don't understand what me being in a locked-council has to do with me stating something publicly about an article being discussed by the public.

[OhLiam]

If I was a new user and went into any of the top 10 rooms of that hour, there would be atleast 10 people being sexually explicit towards my/other Habbos.

It's been happening for years and they've ignored it, their own fault.
For some reason I never look at it as a new user.. because of the fact that I've been a member for a long time, but I do see your point. Habbo could have done alot to prevent ch4 from reporting what they have reported such as having more strict rules on dating and strip club rooms etc etc. Whenever I have logged on you do see alot of the "webcam" rooms which can be blocked and banned easily by moderators. The biggest downfall is event rooms as these are so hard to block as so many users can creat events which are about sex.

My view is if you have a child (which news sites keep referring the users of habbo hotel to 'children') then it is your responsibility to know what they are playing and making sure its safe enough for them. Personally I would not be allowing my child to play a game such as Habbo like my mum didn't allow me to play it till I was a 'teenager' which habbo is targeted at. So stupid.

[GoldenMerc]

I wonder if we will get any updates soon - I guess they could wait until later on today, maybe after a big meeting with the top dogs at Sulake. Who knows what is going on behind the scenes.

be nice to get a update

[Storking]

A quote from the financial times article:



People familiar with Balderton’s decision said the move to quit Sulake was motivated by the company’s “very slow response” to the allegations over improper content.“It’s not a case of them saying, OK, there is a problem and we will let them sort it out,” said one person briefed on the move.“There were lots of discussions to sort it out. But even now, there is content that should not be on there."


Sounds like Habbo all over! :rolleyes:

[MKR&*42]

Ok the moment's passed, unmute us Sulake no-1 is going to bring up the channel 4 thing ok? ;) x

Oh and Storking; I love your avatar lmfao x

[Andii]

In congregation with MattG's post, Channel 4 have provided
a news report that is to be broadcasted at 7pm BST on Channel
4 News...

http://i46.tinypic.com/2564s8z.png

Threads merged by Zuth (Forum Moderator): As they're on the same topic
Omg
Pmsl I was in that room aswell haha nicely designed tho :) ****e HABBic we are screwed now

[Kardan]

I think it's fair to say that the media aren't over reacting, I do believe what they are reporting is fact.

Now, I'm sure that everyone on here that still plays the game is thinking that the media are over reacting, and that you never see such behaviour in-game - and you probably don't. But you guys are what, 14-18? You're all smart enough to avoid these sorts of people and enjoy Habbo for what it's meant to be used for.

The fact is, none of you guys, including myself, are 10 or 11 years old. I know when I first joined Habbo, I was 11, and I was epically clueless and didn't comprehend the fact that *anyone* could talk to me. The fact is, these people do exist online and the fact is they can easily talk to young children online via Habbo instantly.

[GommeInc]

Current legislation is outdated and it's up to the powers that be to ensure they meet the needs of a fast-growing, evolving, dangerous, postmodern society.
I'm against this sort of idea. Technically the laws and regulations already exist, it's purely down to Habbo to use whatever amount of common sense they have and use it. They're looking after users who can easily be exposed to content of a sexual nature AND be abused by it easily. They have no safe-guards in place, while sites like Facebook etc. do. In fact, it's a matter for the police as far as I can tell, the Government should only look at Habbo with disgrace that these issues have not been addressed (and as been stated many times - they never will be, Habbo is working in a difficult market where you simply cannot check the age of users and do checks on them, it's far too costly and impossible).


I think it's fair to say that the media aren't over reacting, I do believe what they are reporting is fact.

Now, I'm sure that everyone on here that still plays the game is thinking that the media are over reacting, and that you never see such behaviour in-game - and you probably don't. But you guys are what, 14-18? You're all smart enough to avoid these sorts of people and enjoy Habbo for what it's meant to be used for.

The fact is, none of you guys, including myself, are 10 or 11 years old. I know when I first joined Habbo, I was 11, and I was epically clueless and didn't comprehend the fact that *anyone* could talk to me. The fact is, these people do exist online and the fact is they can easily talk to young children online via Habbo instantly.
How great to see a familar name from the past with an equally great thing to say :P Did you come back on here because you saw the news?

[BeanEgg]

Rebecca Newton is in that video aka the late Becs, who left Sulake to create her own business 'Moshi Monsters' hmm!

[October]

That for Sulake to perform a global mute due to "a few users" for this long is proving how inefficient the moderation is, that they can't handle the amount of Habbos or requests sent in to them? :S

I don't remember this happening during the group protests or during the 4Chan Afro-Blocker raids, which crashed servers.

Thread moved by Zuth (Forum Moderator): From Habbo News & Rumours, as its better suited here!

[Greed]

I never post here anymore, but after watching the news, I thought I might. Over the last 2 years or so, Habbo has truly declined from what it used to be. Ever since the hotel merge basically. It's a shame really, I remember speaking with people on here about 7 years ago, and we all wondered what the end of Habbo would be, and when it would be, but I guess this is finally the beginning of the end.

The moderation is the only problem essentially, but I guess the mass desire to make profit is more important than the mass focus on moderation that there was a few years back. It'll be interesting to see what Habbo do, and if they're able to bounce back, but I think not personally.

It was never an issue about moderation IMO. In the last few years, everything that habbo stood for diminished as it pretty much just sold out and dumbed itself to further please the masses. They completely got rid of the filter (though, they did implement something else which is rather stupid), they became WAYYYY MORE lenient with the 'dating' thing--which in turn, allowed it to happen on a greater scale, and it all fell apart once the hotels all merged.

I am very aware that 'laws' pertaining to age of consent and age of legality are different in many regions of the world which I feel also contributes to the whole ordeal.

In all, I blame the V7 update! Kids aren't smart enough to download ShockWave. :blue_doub

[October]

A quote from the financial times article:



Sounds like Habbo all over! :rolleyes:
link to article?

[MKR&*42]

Yesss it is bloody inefficient lol. It isn't even a problem in some hotels I believe? I don't think the news has actually hit Brasil or places like Sweden yet (and it only just got to .fi + .fr + .nl an hr or so ago) so a global mute is quite silly. This is one of the only things that actually makes me want something like Hobbas (with powers to ban people for stuff like cybering) on the hotel - but then the whole security issue arises sigh.

[buttons]

I THINK IT MIGHT BE A COVER UP TBH

[October]

I THINK IT MIGHT BE A COVER UP TBHWhat are they covering up, their moderation? It's been exposed, even Becs is appalled lol. As are a few other former community managers with Sulake. Jeffoo posted about it on fb and twitter too

[xxMATTGxx]

link to article?

Site is: http://www.ft.com/

I believe you may need an account to read it.

[Futz]

i hope they make it a 18+ game

[GommeInc]

This has got to be the most action Habbo has seen in years! :P The C4 news was incredibly interesting, and highlights just how easy it is.

Habbo should stick to their principles, this CEO or whoever it is that seems to deny it with typical corporate rubbish should be sacked. Clearly unfit to work for Sulake/Habbo if he can't look after the website and give his users the duty of care they deserve and require. He has kids for goodness sake, he should know how important child safety is.

[Kardan]

How great to see a familar name from the past with an equally great thing to say :P Did you come back on here because you saw the news?

Basically, yeah. Although I do pop in every 3 months or so, but the news reminded me of the existence of HxF :) Good to see that you're still going Gomme :)

[Mathew]

Jeez aha, the BBC article has been shared 877 times as well lmfao. + Oh, that was your grabber? :O.

See, if Sulake hadn't axed full length news articles nd started putting everything on Twitter, maybe half the hotel would know why they're muted :S.
hahaha, yes it's my room!! tbh I've never had my room so busy at this time before. I've had loads of people playing and you can't even speak to them, it's weird.

tbh it must be a bit strange for a new user who will probably have no idea why they're muted. this is where a news article would suffice but that's asking for too much..! :P


It's just a shame they've targeted specific rooms, out of how many of millions of other (types of) rooms out there, they went into the dating ones, and made allegations as if the whole hotel is like it; it's not. Not in the slightest.
meh... they don't seem to care about the effect it will have on the company, or indeed its users. they care about selling newspapers and being the one to expose a breaking story!


They're really Heavy on my paper round.
LMAOOOO oh my I feel for you on that one.


They should really just shove us on maintenance, this muting is boring. And I'll actually do something productive if it goess to maintenance LOL.
it's funny how we're all still sat on Habbo even though we can't speak LOLOL.

[vito201-:D]

Since the news article and everything that's happened about channel 4, soon to be on the news.... do you think habbo could shut down because of this? Lots of people have resigned, their entire like.. can't remember the name, but they could end up losing millions lol

You mean shares.
And because Sulake muted the hotel and are proving they're VERY dedicated to trying to crack down on potential peadofiles they will not shut down.
- Alex (Shenk).

[Demi]

All a media rage.

[Mikey]

I think we don't think it's as serious as the news put it because we've seen it ourselfs and it doesn't really surprise us as this is what we see Habbo as. But the thing is it is quite serious and Channel 4 especially have raised this point and made this clear to everyone because it is quite serious, 11 year old girls being targeted for sex and naked pictures. It's not right - I know most of the game isn't like this but the majority of the time the top rooms were kissing booth and sexual rooms. I liked this game while it lasted but yes it should be closed.

[Trigs]

What are they covering up, their moderation? It's been exposed, even Becs is appalled lol. As are a few other former community managers with Sulake. Jeffoo posted about it on fb and twitter too
What did he say?

[Toilet]

It's been apparent that Moderation is inefficient for a while now. I don't think the global mute is because of the number of calls they are getting?

[MKR&*42]

hahaha, yes it's my room!! tbh I've never had my room so busy at this time before. I've had loads of people playing and you can't even speak to them, it's weird.

tbh it must be a bit strange for a new user who will probably have no idea why they're muted. this is where a news article would suffice but that's asking for too much..! :P


meh... they don't seem to care about the effect it will have on the company, or indeed its users. they care about selling newspapers and being the one to expose a breaking story!


LMAOOOO oh my I feel for you on that one.


it's funny how we're all still sat on Habbo even though we can't speak LOLOL.

LOOOOL. Ikr, you know you're addicted when you'd still play Habbo without the ability to type ;) Used to do news article about maintenances as well, but now we get a simple message (daily tbf) about maintenance and no news article about a GLOBAL issue :/. It's ok, I can keep going to 1 website to find out news about a diff. website :S (Twitter).

[Demi]

All the mods walked out.

[GommeInc]

Basically, yeah. Although I do pop in every 3 months or so, but the news reminded me of the existence of HxF :) Good to see that you're still going Gomme :)
I saw it on my BBC News app. and laughed, completely confusing my family. I had to come online just to see what the HxF community had to say.

And the ol' ticker hasn't given up yet ;)

[Kardan]

I don't think it's because they can't handle the amount of calls, I think it's simply to stop the problem as soon as possible, so nobody can no longer say 'Sulake are still not doing anything about it.'

A global mute is essentially the only thing they can do right now to combat the problem until they develop other methods. But their moderation must be somewhat inefficient in the first place for the reason to arise.

[October]

What did he say?
-removes

---------- Post added 12-06-2012 at 05:56 PM ----------


I don't think it's because they can't handle the amount of calls, I think it's simply to stop the problem as soon as possible, so nobody can no longer say 'Sulake are still not doing anything about it.'

A global mute is essentially the only thing they can do right now to combat the problem until they develop other methods. But their moderation must be somewhat inefficient in the first place for the reason to arise.Silencing everyone isn't exactly stopping the problem, in my opinion. It's preventing people from discussing it, to agree or disagree with either side, etc lol.

[Hurts]

The popular rooms list has always been riddled with "sexy/beds/hot singles" rooms, So it's no surprise they attract the wrong crowd. I'm pretty sure most regular users of the hotel know that those kind of rooms are to be avoided as they are riddled with users asking for cam, and from what I can remember it's always been like that. They've had plenty of time to do something about it, shame it came to this.

[Abdicators]

http://www.habbo.com/home/channel4news

[Xedia]

Still muted? Lol. Sulake is bricking it incase another news company records one of the rooms again, that's clearly the reason for the mute ;P

[mrwoooooooo]

http://www.habbo.com/home/channel4news

point of that...? Created 2006?

[GommeInc]

Moderation has been appalling for years, and this is just the icing on the cake. Originally it was because moderators were over-moderating the users, banning them for joking and not necessarily being rude or explicit. Now it's got them in trouble because they have completely failed to see what is going on right in front of their eyes - the fact the top rooms come up with clearly unacceptable rooms should of set alarm bells off. Were there ever moderators? All this suggests that it was just this CEO who hasn't been a help at all - this blog was just corporate rubbish that distracts away from the original concerns.

The CEO should be sacked, he is unfit for purpose and clearly hasn't got a clue what is going on inside and outside Habbo. It's ridiculous.


Silencing everyone isn't exactly stopping the problem, in my opinion. It's preventing people from discussing it, to agree or disagree with either side, etc lol.
It's going to put a lot of people off the site too - there's no trust.

What's also interesting is that the C4 report involves so many people. The woman who made the original findings, the reporter who went on the site on C4's behalf and the man who works with the UK and the EU to understand child safety and protection online.

[Abdicators]

point of that...? Created 2006?

her mission mate, it's ironic.

[Kardan]

---------- Post added 12-06-2012 at 05:56 PM ----------

Silencing everyone isn't exactly stopping the problem, in my opinion. It's preventing people from discussing it, to agree or disagree with either side, etc lol.

It is stopping the problem. The problem is that paedophiles have instant access to children. A global mute has stopped that.

Of course people can't discuss it in-game, but it seems that pretty much everyone is discussing it on other social platforms, including here.

[Abdicators]

I don't think they disabled chat purely because of moderation problems.

[Demi]

Go to sleep kids, nothing will change.

[GommeInc]

It is stopping the problem. The problem is that paedophiles have instant access to children. A global mute has stopped that.

Of course people can't discuss it in-game, but it seems that pretty much everyone is discussing it on other social platforms, including here.
Would it not be better to simply close the hotel down, displaying a message as to why? A global mute should only be a short-term solution, but as an investigation is going on it would be better to deny users access to the site until it's all over.

It's odd that the mute is in effect. It does suggest a load of moderators have disappeared. It's not just stopped the paedophiles, it's stop people socialising, which is the point of Habbo :P It does hint that Habbo is insufficiently trained in these situations.

[Mathew]

I'm actually not sure what he was saying, to be honest. I don't understand what me being in a locked-council has to do with me stating something publicly about an article being discussed by the public.
The grammar wasn't too good at all, haha. What is the council thing anyway?


I'm against this sort of idea. Technically the laws and regulations already exist, it's purely down to Habbo to use whatever amount of common sense they have and use it. They're looking after users who can easily be exposed to content of a sexual nature AND be abused by it easily. They have no safe-guards in place, while sites like Facebook etc. do. In fact, it's a matter for the police as far as I can tell, the Government should only look at Habbo with disgrace that these issues have not been addressed (and as been stated many times - they never will be, Habbo is working in a difficult market where you simply cannot check the age of users and do checks on them, it's far too costly and impossible).

Interesting - how do Facebook deal with this sort of thing? Does Runescape, MapleStory, Club Penguin or any other children/teen based game have any similar problems?

[Mathew]

her mission mate, it's ironic.

Now that is just spooky! :O

[Kardan]

Would it not be better to simply close the hotel down, displaying a message as to why? A global mute should only be a short-term solution, but as an investigation is going on it would be better to deny users access to the site until it's all over.

It's odd that the mute is in effect. It does suggest a load of moderators have disappeared. It's not just stopped the paedophiles, it's stop people socialising, which is the point of Habbo :P It does hint that Habbo is insufficiently trained in these situations.

I agree, closing the hotel down would be better. It makes you wonder why they've kept the hotel open. I suppose it means that Sulake can still make money instead of wasting an unknown amount of time being closed.

[Shorty]

They're probably stopping lots of users causing disruption while also having lots of meetings about what to-do next to address this issue while also probably strengthening and making the automated system stricter.

[GommeInc]

Interesting - how do Facebook deal with this sort of thing?
Facebook is a different type of site. Facebook is strictly speaking a social networking business, while Habbo is a MMORPG with a social networking twist on the side. Social networking sites work very differently and do not have a game, while MMORPG incorporate social networking features as part of the service. So Facebook has strict security features and I think for anyone under 16 they have it so you cannot be found in the search unless you add them. On Habbo, there are no security features. You can find anyone, and talk to anyone, which is natural in these sorts of sites offering these services.

Habbo is one of those sites that is under-equipped and will probably cease to exist in a few years. There's no way you can add security features like the ones in bigger sites like Facebook without spending loads of money on security checks, and even then there are ways around it. For an MMORPG, you have to be easily accessible - it's the point of the game.

I've not come across or played the others. I think Runescape have the funds to monitor what is said by their users, and in some ways is self-regulating. The game is also for more older users, so there's less chance of paedophilia and abuse cases happening. Runescape specialises in fighting dwarves... Habbo specialises in nothing, just chat and buying furniture. It's a recipe for disaster :P


Posts merged by Martin (Forum Super Moderator): Double post due to forum lag.

[GommeInc]

I agree, closing the hotel down would be better. It makes you wonder why they've kept the hotel open. I suppose it means that Sulake can still make money instead of wasting an unknown amount of time being closed.
Wouldn't surprise me in the slightest. Always on the take even when they're in trouble.


They're probably stopping lots of users causing disruption while also having lots of meetings about what to-do next to address this issue while also probably strengthening and making the automated system stricter.
Do sticky notes still exist? Users could just communicate in sticky notes :P

[Mathew]

Facebook is a different type of site. Facebook is strictly speaking a social networking business, while Habbo is a MMORPG with a social networking twist on the side. Social networking sites work very differently and do not have a game, while MMORPG incorporate social networking features as part of the service. So Facebook has strict security features and I think for anyone under 16 they have it so you cannot be found in the search unless you add them. On Habbo, there are no security features. You can find anyone, and talk to anyone, which is natural in these sorts of sites offering these services.

Habbo is one of those sites that is under-equipped and will probably cease to exist in a few years. There's no way you can add security features like the ones in bigger sites like Facebook without spending loads of money on security checks, and even then there are ways around it. For an MMORPG, you have to be easily accessible - it's the point of the game.

I've not come across or played the others. I think Runescape have the funds to monitor what is said by their users, and in some ways is self-regulating. The game is also for more older users, so there's less chance of paedophilia and abuse cases happening. Runescape specialises in fighting dwarves... Habbo specialises in nothing, just chat and buying furniture. It's a recipe for disaster :P
I suppose you're right! Bobba Bar is ten times worse, but it's aimed at 18+ so I assume it would be acceptable. This whole situation has been quite surreal indeed.

[lawrawrrr]

It's a stupid way of doing it, but I suppose it'll spark less rumours than if it went offline?

[GommeInc]

I suppose you're right! Bobba Bar is ten times worse, but it's aimed at 18+ so I assume it would be acceptable. This whole situation has been quite surreal indeed.
I did a piece on social networking last year :) Working in particular industries immediately sets you up with problems, and the industry and age group Habbo have focused on is impossible to work with in this day and age. Interestingly, Habbo call themselves a social networking site when they're not, under any definition, one of them.

[GommeInc]

It's a stupid way of doing it, but I suppose it'll spark less rumours than if it went offline?
It will cause just the same amount really. We're already discussing rumours after all :P Turning it offline will just mean Habbo can't make a quick buck and some Habbos who focus on room building will have to do without.

Is anyone on Habbo at the moment? Do they stop users from using the messenger service? That's if they still have it - the Habbo Console may not exist anymore for all I know :P

[alexxxxx]

I've come back on HabboxForum to air my views on the matter seeing as it's on virtually all the major news outlets, a headline 10 minute report on Channel 4 News in prime time, trending at #4 on the BBC and it's also being spoke about a lot on Twitter (Although I don't believe its trended).

This is incredibly damaging for Habbo Hotel and I honestly don't think it can bounce back from this. It's been pointed out growth in Habbo has been stagnant for around 5 years and if I'm honest I think this marks the decline of Habbo Hotel and I don't say that to scare people or just to make an outrageous comment, I firmly believe this. The whole things about it being closed down are utter rubbish however, that won't happen any time soon. Investors pulling out and Tesco supposedly pulling the sale of the gift cards are particularly bad news though and will only contribute further to its decline.

Habbo has always prided its self on the safety of it's users and for years to come whenever "Habbo" is Googled, these incredibly damaging news reports will be right near the top of search engine results. Any parent who wants to check out whether the game is safe for their child will first of all Google it, when they see a Channel 4 article near the top of the results calling it a paedofile's haven, that's it, game over.

The media has ruthlessly attacked Habbo and it's reputation is permanently in shatters, it will be remembered as a paedofiles haven thanks to this and as has already been pointed out, there's a risk more paedofiles will simply be attracted to it (even if Sulake do start clamping down, which I suppose they have already). The PR response from Sulake to this matter is awful, Paul Lafontine declined an interview with the news and instead has just sent out rubbish "tweets" in defence of the company, there's been no immediate or solid reversals in Habbo policy, for instance if he were to announce the end of moderation being outsourced and the filter returned, Habbo might have a chance of a future but the damage limitation exercise by Sulake to limit the bad press surrounding Habbo has been awful to none existent.

Has the media been unfair in the way it's treated Habbo though? No. Habbo is not the same safe place it was when I joined it in 2005, whilst it's changed in virtually every way, the only way the safety of it's users has gone is down. The extreme cost cutting by Sulake has compromised it's safety by outsourcing to useless moderators in foreign countries on a poor wage with a poor grasp of the English language, there also appears to be a lot less moderators on the game as there used to be and the quality has also gone down seeing as they've got to race quickly through the call-for-helps (CFHs). The removal of the filter for "older users" was also a step too far, the Bobba filter was far more effective, especially when it was universal. There's also been a general laziness to remove the "sex" and "dating" rooms. As well as that there has been an encouragement around "dating/flirting" in the hotel, more explicit clothes than ever before (which just encourages it really) and a decline in the furniture standards with "vibrating" furni. Habbo used to have far stricter standards and was known as a 24/7 safe haven as a result. Of course it's always possible on the internet for people to get around filters or be banned later but Habbo was generally at the top of its game in the past and cost cutting measures show this is no longer the case, it is widespread throughout the hotel.

Good riddance, your reputation has been ruined by your constant demands to change everything about the game and the cost cutting has gone too far. Safety was a key selling point to the teenage social network, now it will forever be known by the media and parents as a paedofiles heaven. It's taken 11 years to build up a reputation and now it's gone.

Agree 100% Jordy. Just seen the thing on BBC and thought i'd come and see the reaction. I haven't logged on here in a long time. I was on habbo a long time a go, although not as long as some people here, and to see habbo (hotel) turn into what it is now is a real sign of mismanagement. I remember when just on habbo UK there were at times over 10k logged on. Habbo was always seen as safe especially when the 'hobba' system was around, that's where they went wrong, basically free and plentiful moderation. Apart from a few scandals in housekeeping, it worked well. A brief read on here suggests outsourcing of moderation now and mass muting?? Habbo will be gone soon, the merge was just a way of cost-saving, the real decline was before then. The hundreds of pounds people spent on acquiring thrones will be wasted too. I don't even remember when i stopped playing but i knew when even i regularly posted on this site a couple of years a go it was declining because of the lack of new users on this forum.

btw jordy, i hope your A-level exams are going well.

[peteyt]

I told him to consider updating the filter whilst the channel 4 thing was on ( i rlly hope everyone isn't muted cause of that LOL) and i imagine a lot of others did because the filtering system is poor. I genuinely feel sorry for everyone in Sulake at this moment (this is probably the only time I will), Channel 4 did an unfair attack on them when they could have simply discretely complained about it to the government about sites IN GENERAL.

I'll go on second life now and probably be asked for cyber in 5 mins without going to a specific place for it tbf (i'm not sure how it works tbh).

Completely agree. Habbo definately has users who cause problems and paedophiles but so does Facebook and many other sites which have under-age users. The news should be trying to get parents to teach their children about how to be safe online instead of trying to cause a mass panic. It's like 11/10 year old's being made to do things on cam - I don't think parents should let their children even have a cam at that age I didn't get one till late on and was always told the dangers.


What I don't get is, the reporter that went on Habbo for 2 months was posing as an 11 year old girl. If your going to pose
as anyone, at least make them within the age range of the target audience.
That was obviously to show how easy under age users can access the site. The problem is computers are being used more and more - at 11 when I was young I didn't have a computer never mind internet access and the internet was young then - I remember dial up. Nowadays however people are using computers from an early age and know how to get around things. Thus children who shouldn't be accessing sites are accessing sites.


They should probably try fast-track the guides/helpers system and get those advanced guides/helpers into place to help regulate the hotel, add a much stricter filter which is enabled for all unless your date of birth is 18 and not able to enable/disable on your choice, clamp down on these e-dating rooms and other rooms which could cause issues and just monitor the hotel a lot more stricter for awhile while reviewing their strategy.

Basically the same as I've just said above - you can put age ratings on things but do you think anyone is going to listen to it - all them sites e.g. your about to watch a game trailer or a film trailer and their for a certain age - most smart kids will just put a false date of birth and this is what happens with sites like Habbo. The problem is it's not like it's an adult site e.g. a porn site so it's a site aimed for children so it can't get away with something like this if it turns out a lot of adult content is available.

Like I said I think parents need to at least pay interest into the sites they are using - Sulake should definitely do more to sort the site out, better filtering and so on but it will never be able to fully sort the problem out, I don't think any site could. That's why parents have to take on part of the problem, and make sure their children understand what could happen - if children new the dangerous then when someone asked them to strip they'd know that it might be someone 50 and know to click ignore

[Mathew]

It will cause just the same amount really. We're already discussing rumours after all :P Turning it offline will just mean Habbo can't make a quick buck and some Habbos who focus on room building will have to do without.

Is anyone on Habbo at the moment? Do they stop users from using the messenger service? That's if they still have it - the Habbo Console may not exist anymore for all I know :P

Yeah, I'm sat in my grabber room and there's 23 people sat here, doing nothing! You can send out invites to communicate with each other, but I think that's the only way as the Minimail tool has been taken down too. I'm holding up the number signs so people are still able to take part in the grabber. :P

[Xedia]

Young kids can access any site they want now, hardly new news.

[lawrawrrr]

It will cause just the same amount really. We're already discussing rumours after all :P Turning it offline will just mean Habbo can't make a quick buck and some Habbos who focus on room building will have to do without.

Is anyone on Habbo at the moment? Do they stop users from using the messenger service? That's if they still have it - the Habbo Console may not exist anymore for all I know :P

Good point... yeah they have disabled pretty much every way of talking, I was on but got fed up of the constant 'invites'

[alexxxxx]

I suppose you're right! Bobba Bar is ten times worse, but it's aimed at 18+ so I assume it would be acceptable. This whole situation has been quite surreal indeed.

What 18+?? I find it hard to believe there are that many people >18 playing on habbo. seems weird. from what ive read it all sounds a bit creepy now.

[Recursion]

I think the biggest problem here is that the current generation of parents aren't as technologically inept as their children... policing your child's internet usage doesn't really work when they're say a sixth or even less of your age yet know how to use a computer far more competently.

That said, I never had any sort of restrictions on internet usage, I learnt from mistakes and I turned out fine... lol

[DPS]

They shouldnt have removed Hobbas.. imo this could of stopped what happen today.

Remember this theres around 2 mods on habbo at once.. they cant check all the C4H's

---------- Post added 13-06-2012 at 02:04 AM ----------


Still muted? Lol. Sulake is bricking it incase another news company records one of the rooms again, that's clearly the reason for the mute ;P

ITV news tweeted bout it.

[Samantha]

Mathew; the Council was a programme Habbo created whereby 500-501 individuals got randomly chosen to apply, some did and some got in it such as J-Raviv; Aaron; 650c; and myself and we basically couldn't do much.

When the new moderators took over and there was a spat where stupid bans were occurring between something like 15-25th March 2012 and we basically had to sit in the Council room and ask each person lining up when their ban was, how long and for what reason. If their ban was over 24 hours long and within that given time frame (and they had to be still banned I believe) then they had a case, if not they were told to contact the support team. It was so annoying as people lined up for ages just to be told they couldn't be helped - I mean yeah the stupid bans occurred but there were stupid bans before it and there's stupid ones now. So moral of the story is that we didn't have any special power and just had to log down the 'cases' we had etc.

The Council died down and it's a thing of the past now, we did get a Gold Habbo Trophy (those that spell HABBO like Bailey has in his events room from it) just for helping out though - was a nice gesture but it did get tiresome to go in the room all the time.

[Trigs]

Rebecca Newton is in that video aka the late Becs, who left Sulake to create her own business 'Moshi Monsters' hmm!
QFT, and she was the Community Head of Sulake of all things. During her time, this same type of stuff was still going on so I'm not too sure what entitles her to throw Habbo under the bus at this time...

[October]

@Mathew (http://www.habboxforum.com/member.php?u=31230); the Council was a programme Habbo created whereby 500-501 individuals got randomly chosen to apply, some did and some got in it such as @J-Raviv (http://www.habboxforum.com/member.php?u=34302); @Aaron (http://www.habboxforum.com/member.php?u=71156); @650c (http://www.habboxforum.com/member.php?u=83968); and myself and we basically couldn't do much.

When the new moderators took over and there was a spat where stupid bans were occurring between something like 15-25th March 2012 and we basically had to sit in the Council room and ask each person lining up when their ban was, how long and for what reason. If their ban was over 24 hours long and within that given time frame (and they had to be still banned I believe) then they had a case, if not they were told to contact the support team. It was so annoying as people lined up for ages just to be told they couldn't be helped - I mean yeah the stupid bans occurred but there were stupid bans before it and there's stupid ones now. So moral of the story is that we didn't have any special power and just had to log down the 'cases' we had etc.

The Council died down and it's a thing of the past now, we did get a Gold Habbo Trophy (those that spell HABBO like Bailey has in his events room from it) just for helping out though - was a nice gesture but it did get tiresome to go in the room all the time.The Council thoroughly annoyed me, as half the people in there proved to be so fake, not even caring for the user's account safety, all the while Paul is there letting us argue about it, he himself not caring how much of the user's information is required. Plus, an unfair ban is an unfair ban imo, but we were so limited on who to help. :\

I wasn't expecting a reward for it, either but meh. It seems, though, from the images leaked from the trade council, that they are all expecting a reward lol.

[October]

They shouldnt have removed Hobbas.. imo this could of stopped what happen today.

Remember this theres around 2 mods on habbo at once.. they cant check all the C4H's

---------- Post added 13-06-2012 at 02:04 AM ----------



ITV news tweeted bout it.nah but somehow they manage to close them within minutes

[Fifty-Six]

they especially enjoying admonishing you for "abusing" the system too

[Mathew]

Ooooh so that's the thing you got a minimail about a while ago... I vaguely remember. Did you get a badge? Has it officially ended now? Did everyone get a trophy? :O.. how many of you were there?

[Abdicators]

80 Victims, 300,000,000 Users. 0.000027% of users affected. Burn Habbo to the ground!!!

[MKR&*42]

Gotta hand it to people for silently protesting still lmfao.

http://screensnapr.com/e/HUCBCg.png

4am nd still muted. *sigh*.

[vito201-:D]

Erm
I can easily believe these comments were posted and Channel 4 hasn't out-of-contexted them (if they possibly could :P) and I don't think Habbo, which earns Sulake vast amount of money, should close due to them.
How about Sulake rethink their filter policy, such as a permanent sexual explicitness filter rather than one that can be turned off? Or maybe instant bans after mentioning certain touchy topics?

Instant bans would be very buggy... like the old "Red Rug" issue: "ReD rug", "Re Drug", "ReBobba"... accidentally saying a swear = auto ban? I think that'd be rather tedious.
Maybe better just to perm-ban all cyber-sexers? And regulate the age a bit better, actually make it 12+ instead of 12- ! >_o

All Sulake need to do is stop encouraging online dating as heavily as they do... and start employing moderators that speak and understand our language properly... the current Moderators are awful and I do suspect it's due to the oncall moderators all being out sourced.

But Channel4 has gone wayyy too far with this... why target Habbo? It might be the biggest, but it is not the only one and it is not the worst for sexually explicit behaviour.
I really have lost a lot of respect for Channel4 after watching their report... it was full of lies and bias... I mean they said they were interviewing someone who (Because she works for MoshiMonsters) would not be bias against Sulake... but they forgot to mention that she was Becs... aka the old Habbo Moderator/Director Becs who was sacked when Habbo merged and got outsourced... so of course she's gonna say the hotel moderation is crap?

It's utterly ridiculous.
- Alex (Shenk).

[Sloths]

Wow seriously still going ooer

[Succubus]

Still going, ugh. Why did they do this? :I

[Logandyer45]

Still going, ugh. Why did they do this? :I


Cause your nice Channel 4 news.

[AlexHenry]

Ugh hope it doesn't close down and what a stupid ideaaa!!! :(

[Geiranger]

This morning, no update from Habbo Hotel has been received.

[FiftyCal]

this calls for revolution!!!

[xxMATTGxx]

@Habbo_Rishell Can you tell us a bit about how long the gllobal mute will last?


@PingeraHabbo Nope, I can't unfortunately. I'm not apart of the team investigating. I have to keep watching Paul's twitter as well.

https://twitter.com/Habbo_Rishell/status/212801810405138433

[Samantha]

Lmao this is great still going on oh dear.

[Ekelektra]

Haha when I went to bed last night the news article had just been posted in the other thread then I get home from school everything had blown up! I thought it would have been unmuted when I got home from school and especially now, almost what 12 hours later?

[xxMATTGxx]

If anyone wants to still watch the report than it is also now on Youtube:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lqGini5BiE

[xxMATTGxx]

@PingeraHabbo Don't worry Pingera! We are not shutting down. Keep an eye on Paul's twitter for the latest updates.

https://twitter.com/Habbo_Rishell/status/212803415925985280

[Samantha]

Ooooh so that's the thing you got a minimail about a while ago... I vaguely remember. Did you get a badge? Has it officially ended now? Did everyone get a trophy? :O.. how many of you were there?

We got a badge but when it ended it was removed, it ended and 40 people were meant to be in. I didn't expect a reward either, when I got the gift I thought it'd be a duck.

The lack of communication for council put me off, put up with it then though me sitting in there hours and no one fitting ban times, pft.

I think we all got a trophy, Bailey did and he was less active in proper room than some I only met about ten. Made a good friend though lol.

[Samantha]

Don't think it will shut but reputation will decrease, with the uproar of the mute and the amount of people protesting it shows most just wanna talk instead of leave,

[Samantha]

Apparently muted because of a few users so why don't they ban or mute them,.they must know who they are.otherwise they can't be certain its a few. It's inefficient and the new habbo helpers scheme does nothing,what's there to achieve apart from badges and abuse of it.

[xxMATTGxx]

Apparently muted because of a few users so why don't they ban or mute them,.they must know who they are.otherwise they can't be certain its a few. It's inefficient and the new habbo helpers scheme does nothing,what's there to achieve apart from badges and abuse of it.

I think the issue is more than a few users, they muted every hotel they have. They also keep saying they are doing checks and doing investigations - Are they looking into their systems? Are they having meetings on how to deal with the media? Extra safety?

[Smurfed-]

omg, it's been about 12 hours now. I knew it was really bad but I didn't think it was this bad.

[Jarkie]

This is stupid. Wtf are they doing.

[Samantha]

They're just losing money while they do this imo.

[Shorty]

They're just losing money while they do this imo.

You have to think about the damage that Channel 4 have caused to Habbo Hotel's brand at this moment in time for those that don't play it much or for parents. Sure it's going to lose them money but if they didn't take instant action then no doubt they would of been penalised for not doing anything to protect other people because of a 'broken system' as maybe people would see it.

Child safety was always one of Habbo's strong points and that standard has been weakened over the past few years/months, the investigation would of made them make the issue which they would of known about become a much more important issue to deal with instead of cram more features into Habbo before fixing the actual game.

[JerseySafety]

A lot worse on Runescape and other games yet I haven't seen anything about other games. Kinda sad tbh, it's not that bad really. At least 90% of us are legit and don't do that. Channel 4 should just go die tbh. Trying to ruin reputation when nothing is really wrong, bet you they are corrupt to.

[Samantha]

I dont blame channel 4 sulake should have sorted it years ago and channel four just increased.the urgency to sort it.

[GoldenMerc]

As if everyones still muted now

[JerseySafety]

All a scandal, seriously. Funny how they only show the bad side of habbo. To find people that want to 'do stuff' with them they must have gone to some pretty specific rooms. Probably created the dirtyboii account themselves.

[Richie]

I'd imagine sulake will have a talk today and something will be announced.

If I was hxhd staff i'd go in and get my hours up so i can go afk!!! :P

[Richie]

I pretty much summed up by views on twitter

@PaulLaFo Small in game updates over the years such as inappropriate clothing, kissing booths, bling beds, among other unnecessary inappropriate updates, portrays a bad image. Advertisements stating the age range of the users who play the game and a clear indication that flirting is acceptable is a terrible approach. Although flirting may be fun banter which leads to nothing for older teenagers, sulake need to keep in mind that there is a huge gap in the age range. I don't believe banning users for flirting in game is right but openly admitting that it's allowed and using it as a marketing scheme is a horrendous idea.


Habbos who had requested webcam in the past were automatically banned. At one stage users were actually receiving hefty bans for sharing minor things such as messenger or skype addresses. Nowadays you can expect users to flood rooms with tinychat links and even picture portfolios of one another without receiving any sort of ban.


Making drastic cuts to hotel moderation team was a huge mistake. Since the cut backs the moderation team do a terrible job of protecting users. The only time people feel like they're not speaking to a robot is when they create a support ticket, even then they wait almost a month for a response from someone who clearly hasn't been properly trained, not to mention the language barrier. A robot sending out scripted warnings to users and waiting for up to four weeks for a response from a foreign national that struggles to speak English shows that sulake aren't taking these reports seriously.


I do think #Channel4News is blowing things slightly out of proportion. It's only a small minority committing such crimes, the rest are really nice, genuine users playing the game for fun and to make new friends.

[xxMATTGxx]

Habbox (Habbox):
Small article about #Habbo in todays Metro: http://twitpic.com/9vwr84

http://twitter.com/ Habbox/status/212825955583008768

[Jazz]

muted still? i dont see the point in this...

[Jazz]

I think theres too much money involved for Habbo to shut down completely imo

[xxMATTGxx]

New blog post:

http://blog.habbo.com/2012/06/13/a-message-to-the-habbo-community-from-the-ceo/

[GoldenMerc]

New blog post:

http://blog.habbo.com/2012/06/13/a-message-to-the-habbo-community-from-the-ceo/
In other words paul and all the big guys are having a meeting and working out how they are going to improve etc

[Frisky]

Well this just means they definitely won't re-activate photos again...

To be honest, they do a report on pedophiles on the internet every 3 years or so, we we're due one. You usually know when your parents are like "YOU DONT GO ON THOSE SITES DO U?" Lololol.

[Judge Judy]

Just thought I'd add where in the world it has reached :P Broadcasted on SBS here in Australia. Video here: http://www.sbs.com.au/news/video/2245267846/Habbo-Hotel-bombarded-by-paedophiles

[scottish]

wait, so a company purchased 13% of sulake, then returned this to sulake free of charge

so sulake just got whatever 13% of the company shares are worth to sell again for free = more money for them?

or am I missing something really obvious?

[GoldenMerc]

wait, so a company purchased 13% of sulake, then returned this to sulake free of charge

so sulake just got whatever 13% of the company shares are worth to sell again for free = more money for them?

or am I missing something really obvious?

May have not be a imidiate investment, may be like we will give you £25,000 per month and in 3 years time we will own the 100% of 13% of Sulake

[Plebings]

great timing for this to happen as soon as habbo introduce the 'silk gloves are on' campaign message, i actually failed the initial habbo way quiz due to the question about the kissing booth.

[MKR&*42]

Is everyone still muted? Cba to go log in and find out xD.

[scottish]

May have not be a imidiate investment, may be like we will give you £25,000 per month and in 3 years time we will own the 100% of 13% of Sulake

lol at your spelling of immediate :P

yeah even if that's the case that's still a ton of free money that another investor can purchase = more money for sulake.

[GoldenMerc]

shup
Yeh defiantly, but they'l most likely lose that in the process of getting a new investment now :P
so no free money

[Jarkie]

Is everyone still muted? Cba to go log in and find out xD.

Yep lols

[MKR&*42]

Yep lols

Oh wow, seriously. If the moderators had been "up all night" they could have banned all the people 'causing a fuss by now, if that's not the reason for the mute then how long until Paul LaFontaine gives us a genuine one? :l

[Ekelektra]

Apparently they muted the invites now too!

[GommeInc]

New blog post:

http://blog.habbo.com/2012/06/13/a-message-to-the-habbo-community-from-the-ceo/
Interesting that it says they are 'reviewing their long-term plans'. The rest is all just corporate rubbish that again distracts from the problem at hand.

It's amusing so many people are supportive of Habbo. Blind loyalty? :P

Put Paul's head on a spike or at least sack him. He clearly hasn't got a clue.

[MKR&*42]

Apparently they muted the invites now too!

Really? :S I knew they muted PMs last night sometime but not invites :/.

[Hannah]

Pretty sure when people say things along the lines of:


We are still reviewing our long-term plans for the Habbo community, and would like to thank our millions of loyal users for their support at this challenging time. This decision has not been taken lightly and underlines the company’s continuing commitment to ensure that all our site users remain safeguarded from inappropriate behavior and conversations.

It tends to mean they're closing.
Bye Habbo.

[Frisky]

Lol they're making it worse, when the mute is off, people are gonna talk about it still.

[-Sweex]

Has hit the daily mail front page this morning!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2158301/Habbo-Hotel-childrens-website-defences-paedophiles.html

[Jarkie]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/social-media/9328489/Habbo-Hotel-chats-silenced-over-sex-allegations.html

News about the mute has hit the headlines.

[scottish]

wonder how many pedos are on facebook...

[GommeInc]

Has hit the daily mail front page this morning!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2158301/Habbo-Hotel-childrens-website-defences-paedophiles.html

Uh huh, and just how many illegal immigrants are to blame? ;)


wonder how many pedos are on facebook...
Daymn, don't even joke about that sort of thing :O

[Hannah]

A Channel 4 News producer posing as a 13-year-old was asked to strip in front of a webcam (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/9326608/Habbo-Hotel-childrens-site-full-of-pornographic-chat.html) "within two minutes" of logging in.

Sorry, didn't she say she was posing as an 11-year-old? Jesus. The story has changed already.

[Jarkie]

Sorry, didn't she say she was posing as an 11-year-old? Jesus. The story has changed already.

Yeah she did. The story will change about 1000 more times to make Habbo look even more bad. Probs, lol

[Nick]

Using my motto to talk to people :L

[scottish]

forgot, habbo hotel is the only site to harbor pedophiles :P

[Hannah]

Yeah she did. The story will change about 1000 more times to make Habbo look even more bad. Probs, lol

I find it hilarious how out of proportion this has become.

However, she was clearly seeking that sort of attention by going to the cyber prone rooms.

[Samantha]

great timing for this to happen as soon as habbo introduce the 'silk gloves are on' campaign message, i actually failed the initial habbo way quiz due to the question about the kissing booth.

Yeah I failed that quiz too, that one about scamming? Imo you should actually report it, you shouldn't just take it on the chin and learn in the future - well you should but that shouldn't be the immediate response.

Wow it's reached Australia? Man this is rather big ;l

---------- Post added 13-06-2012 at 11:27 AM ----------

WHSmith also pulled out? How long before GAME goes with them?

[GommeInc]

Using my motto to talk to people :L
That sort of creative thinking won us the war :P

It's interesting to read Twitter for more precise and accurate news. Basically this Paul person is missing the point and showing poor leadership skills. He's deluding himself and others with grandeur and false optimism.

He's saying there is no way she got on Habbo as an 11 year old girl because of the 'age gate'. Does he not realise people lie about their age? If they want something so much, they will fake the seemingly harmless age restriction of 13 as an 11 year old and go about their lives on Habbo giving out their actual age (e.g. 11).

He's also saying how 'we' (moderators, Habbos and staff) search for these names and immediately block and delete the rooms - yet why are there features in place like these kissing booths? He's mucking out the horses stable by shovelling the manure in his own front door. He really doesn't have a clue how his community works - it's no wonder Habbo is unsafe and incredibly boring and out of touch. This man is the Chief Executive? I thought they gave up with such useless people when Callie was around. Sulake should sack him, if he keeps his job then he will only work as a cancer - the problem will persist and come back again and again.


I find it hilarious how out of proportion this has become.

However, she was clearly seeking that sort of attention by going to the cyber prone rooms.
She is highlighting how easy it is to find these rooms, so obviously she is seeking them. The producer of the report only wanted to highlight how sexually driven Habbo is, and these rooms were appearing at the top of room lists so anyone could enter. The clear lack of moderation in general is alarming. It's self-induced on both her and Habbo, but for her she knew of the risks while for some they may not.

[Bob1]

http://habbobob.tumblr.com/

Since Habbo has adopted a global mute across its services (even Mini-Mail, in-game events etc) I figured I’d vent my frustrations at the recent Channel 4 report on here, what follows is merely my opinion.

My Habbo name is Bob, I first registered on the UK hotel in 2001 and have “played” on and off since then. As soon as I turned 16 I applied to become a Hobba and from there I went to intern as staff at the Canadian hotel, I’ve worked in Player Support, I worked closely with teams of Hobbas and MODs providing training for most hotels and helping with the up-keep of training manuals and policy guidelines worldwide.

Since 2001 Habbo has changed vastly, I stopped working for Sulake in 2007 and it’s focus has shifted on more than one occasion since then. Though I would not say Habbo Hotel ever had a spotless reputation in terms of moderation, it always had it’s ups and downs, teens will be teens and these sites obviously become a target. 2001-2004 the site had it’s teething problems, the main focus was improving safety, from 2004 onwards problems were dealt with as swiftly as possible but they were actually dealt with, rules were actually enforced and moderation was sufficient.

I was shocked at how that level of service has degraded over the period since 2008-2012, where the service once seemed to be taking leaps forward to strive for a safer environment this now appeared to have been put on the back burner and thus the service began to tumble backwards. I believe at the heart of this is the move from a community team of volunteers and paid staff to the faceless out-sourcing of customer care, what was once a system that, at it’s core, had fantastic teams of personable and hard-working individuals seemed to have been dropped in order to cut costs. As Habbo itself is essentially one large or lots of little intertwined communities this move confused me, as did employing staff who were not game users, if you have no experience or interest in the product, if there is no sense of community, if the companies goals become muddied, how can the product be effectively provided? It seemed to me Sulake had decided to abandon high levels of service and security in order to offer what they saw to be a more marketing friendly product, integrated into other social media (something I always thought was a bad move having witnessed online harassment/bullying as part of my job, to me it just provided another weapon and made predatory behaviour more difficult to contain), with relaxed rules to encourage more teens with disposable income.

The extensively exhausting customer service interfaces for reporting behaviour in-game or lodging a problem through the main site and lukewarm responses that are mostly scripted, automated replies from moderators who seem to have been to be lenient to avoid banning potential pounds/dollars, rules that were made not to be enforced but to allude to safety and when broken held little consequence all contributed to this problem. I myself had problems with my account and after 2 months and a lot of auto-responses received no help; to me it seemed clear the quite drastic repositioning of a moderation system that on the whole worked relatively well previously was not the way forward, though the tools may of remained the same the ethos was not. Technologically the tools are probably better than anything we had to use ‘back in the day’, I question their application. This stems from a lack of manpower, caused by cost cuts, caused by a focus on bottom line.

While every business model has to mature, and the eventual abolishment of volunteer “Hobbas” was inevitable in order to offer a more efficient and professional service across its portfolio, it’s ridiculous for a business to lose focus on its roots, on its core offering. The moderation is now a faceless, corporate, standardised system beyond belief to counteract the cuts and changes, it does not appear to be a team working together with the community but button pushing mindless automatons.

Channel 4’s recent news report highlights severe problems with online games and services that are advertised at children solely as profit generating tools rather than providing secure environments to the parents who are entrusting their children’s safety to them, in my eyes the companies operating these sites have a duty of care to their consumers to ensure with the best possible effort that their consumers are safe first and foremost, this should naturally drive revenue.

Reportedly Sulake’s board of directors, on which a now former major investor sat, were given the opportunity to read the report before it’s airing on Channel 4 and it was their passive response that caused the investor to pull out. While it is arguable the report was sensationalised to make it news worthy and it is obvious all similar services face these problems it is how they deal with them, even now as all the Habbo sites enter 3 and a half hours of mute the response reeks of window dressing, damage limitation, adding further distance between the moderation and the community rather than a radical alteration of attitude and policy that is clearly needed to actually address a problem that could keep getting bigger. My suggestion is Habbo look to the past, remember that community is at its core, to move forward.

Becs, Ione, Aapo and Sampo must be turning in their metaphorical Habbo-graves.

Threads merged by Jordan (Forum Super Moderator): As same topic

[sex]

No way did you really write that? I searched Habbo on Tumblr last night and came across this, it was a really good read! You should write for HX News or something :P. I loveee the last line so much ~!!

[Samantha]

No way did you really write that? I searched Habbo on Tumblr last night and came across this, it was a really good read! You should write for HX News or something :P. I loveee the last line so much ~!!

Thanks Grayham, that gave me the need to advertise that News Applications are open woo!

Anyway, I enjoyed that read, didn't read it all but came back on to see the reply. I liked that line too even though I wasn't there for them really!

[Kardan]

I'm quite shocked to see that some people think that the global mute is pointless, and that some people can't understand why it's still muted.

The hotel will stay under a mute until Sulake decide how they're going to combat the problem.

[wixard]

hiya bob

gd read