Communications of the ACM
Pedophiles in Chatrooms May Be Trapped By Their Typing
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Newcastle University (NU) researchers are developing technology that could be used to prevent convicted sex offenders from committing further crimes. The technology, which is 95 percent accurate, can determine a typist's age, sex, and culture within 10 keystrokes by monitoring the speed and rhythm.
The researchers also hope to be able to reveal whether adults are pretending to be children in chatrooms or using software such as Windows Live or MSN Messenger.
The new technique, developed by NU professor Roy Maxion, could be a "fantastic tool to aid intelligence-gathering for crime-fighting agencies," says former police chief inspector Phil Butler. "With this technology the courts could force the offender to provide an example of their typing as a way of ensuring they don't use a computer," says Butler.
From Marie Claire
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