A virtual ID card design to protect kids from paedophiles online was launched in four countries yesterday.

Net-ID-me is touted as the first system that allows children to check the age of the person they are talking to online. Card details can be exchanged when youngsters enter chat rooms, social networks, or when they swap IM messages.

Parental applications for the card, which costs £9.99 a year in the UK and $19.99 in the US, need to be verified by a school or approved professional. The system is also available in Canada and Australia.

Source: The Register