Microsoft shares new technique for detecting online grooming of children in video game chat Eurogamer.net If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. Microsoft shares new technique for detecting online grooming of children in video game chat "Combating online child exploitation should and must be a universal call to action." News by Wesley Yin-Poole Deputy Editorial Director Updated on 11 Jan 2020 6 comments Microsoft has unveiled Project Artemis, a technique used to detect online predators who try to groom children for sexual purposes using chat in video games. Project Artemis is applied to historical text-based chat conversations, and evaluates and "rates" conversation characteristics and assigns an overall probability rating, Microsoft said. This rating is then used as a determiner, which can be set by individual companies that use the technique as to when a flagged conversation should be sent to a human moderator for review. The idea is a moderator, if necessary, would refer imminent threats to police and other relevant authorities. Project Artemis was developed in collaboration with a raft of companies, including Roblox, one of the most popular video games in the world and a massive hit on Xbox with children. It's now freely available to companies that offer a chat function, and in fact Microsoft has used it for some time in programs on Xbox, it said. "Project Artemis is a significant step forward, but it is by no means a panacea," Microsoft said. "Child sexual exploitation and abuse online and the detection of online child grooming are weighty problems. But we are not deterred by the complexity and intricacy of such issues. On the contrary, we are making the tool available at this point in time to invite further contributions and engagement from other technology companies and organisations with the goal of continuous improvement and refinement. "At Microsoft, we embrace a multi-stakeholder model to combat online child exploitation that includes survivors and their advocates, government, tech companies and civil society working together. Combating online child exploitation should and must be a universal call to action." Become a Eurogamer subscriber and get your first month for £1 Get your first month for £1 (normally £3.99) when you buy a Standard Eurogamer subscription. Enjoy ad-free browsing, merch discounts, our monthly letter from the editor, and show your support with a supporter-exclusive comment flair! Support us View supporter archive More News Splatoon 3 Amiibos will be out next month Ink-coming! 3 Fans think Phil Spencer's shelf is teasing the Xbox Game Pass streaming box UPDATE: Xbox confirms old Keystone prototype. 60 Modder dives into Demon's Souls files following PS5 jailbreak, discovers fabled Ring of the Chieftain Who knows what's nexus? 4 Google announces cloud gaming Chromebooks less than a fortnight after Stadia shutdown GeForce Now preinstalled. 11 Latest Articles Preview Football Manager's new Console edition is the best you'll get without a PC Getting Touch-right. Splatoon 3 Amiibos will be out next month Ink-coming! 3 Fans think Phil Spencer's shelf is teasing the Xbox Game Pass streaming box UPDATE: Xbox confirms old Keystone prototype. 60 Modder dives into Demon's Souls files following PS5 jailbreak, discovers fabled Ring of the Chieftain Who knows what's nexus? 4 Supporters Only Premium only Off Topic: Take a minute to appreciate Cookin' with Coolio's incredible scallops recipe. What a great book. Premium only Off Topic: Reading City of Glass in comic form "Where exactly am I going?" Premium only Off Topic: Il Buco is a transporting film about a really big hole Underlands. Off-Topic Netflix handled Sandman brilliantly It was Dreamy. 9 Buy things with globes on them And other lovely Eurogamer merch in our official store! Explore our store