Little Gossip is, as the providers put it “an open platform for users to share gossips.” It was initially launched in November 2010, by a 19 year old from Somerset. After four days he sold the site for less than his start up costs. He said at the time this was due to the abuse on the site. He did not envisage it becoming as popular or as nasty as it was. The new owners were a company based in Belize, and therefore not governed by our UK Libel laws.
The site was intended for over 18’s and was launched in colleges and universities across the UK. It came under fire quickly for not excluding schools from its site, and as a result of sustained adverse media coverage the site was closed on 14th February 2011.
Sadly in June 2011, the site returned and is as cruel and vindictive as ever. Users can post malicious gossip about anyone in their college or university, other users then vote on whether they think it is true or false. The only way users can ask for a comment to be removed is by replacing it with their own piece of gossip, thereby perpetuating the cycle of bullying online.
The site clearly states it will not filter content, and is un-moderated. It has the usual statement about not bullying or harassing users with hate speech or threats, but does not actually take action on anyone for doing so. In fact the only responsible advice to be found on the site says “notify the Police in case something has gone beyond the scope of an interpersonal conflict into threats that represent actual danger”, worrying that they feel the need to add this to their site!
The site is littered with thousands of sexually abusive, threatening, racist, and homophobic comments. Here are some real examples of comments:-
black sket (Sket definition – “young girls who frequently sleep around with random guys without a care for morals or dignity.”) needs to be kicked in the c**t and murdered in front of her familys eyes
HARIBO KID - your out of the bolney boys, take more steroids you diego
biggest man wh*re out there, will literally do anything with a pulse. and appaz he f**ked a guy on his rugby team and caught an sti.
john johnstone likes beating little boys
Interestingly, one college I randomly looked up is obviously moderating comments internally as many abusive comments have been reported, and there are also comments about external action which can be taken against perpetrators by tracing IP addresses.
And of the age limit? There are still lots of schools on the site. Trust me, I know. My old school is on it...
Article by Laura Higgins - Helpline Manager
June 2011
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