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Leading retail chains have pulled support for Habbo’s prepaid cards amidst allegations against the kids’ social network.
Both Tesco and WH Smith have confirmed they will no longer stock the cards, according to Channel 4 news. The cards are used to buy furniture for the site’s online rooms.
The move follows a report on Channel 4 news last night, questioning how safe children are from sexual predators when using Habbo.
"We were concerned to learn of the allegations about Habbo Hotel made in the Channel 4 news report," said a WH Smith spokesperson.
"In response, we have taken this product off sale, pending further investigation."
Yesterday, Habbo CEO Paul La Fontaine stressed that the company takes child safety very seriously, and hires 225 moderators to monitor conversations between users.
In a further step to reassure parents and other users, the site has removed the ability to chat in public. Habbo was ‘muted’ last night, and will remain so until the company has finished its own investigation into user behaviour.
"Habbos, due to the challenging behaviour of a few users, we have decided to mute the site and will update you when we have more information," LaFontaine explained on Twitter.
"I am saddened but believe it is right to mute all while we continue to investigate," he added.
