Facebook considers 'panic button' after UK outcry

LONDON: Social networking platform Facebook says it is considering installing a "panic button" on its British website after government pressure.

A British child protection group and the government have been lobbying Facebook and other networking sites to install a one-click button that can allow children to report abuse and potentially get police help if they suspect they're at risk.

Calls for the button intensified following the kidnap, rape and murder of 17-year-old Ashleigh Hall. Her killer, Peter Chapman, used a bogus Facebook identity to befriend her online.

British Home Secretary Alan Johnson met with Facebook officials on Thursday and said further talks would take place next month in Washington.

Facebook said it was open to the idea of a panic button.