A program that roots out rumour-mongers who use the Internet to
spread idle or malicious gossip has been developed by Swiss company, Agence Virtuelle.
RumorBot uses 44 software "agents" to check through all available search engines and databases searching for key words.
By analysing the time and location of each posting, and comparing the results, they can work out where the first hint of a rumour occurred.
Companies could use the program to track down a speculator who starts a rumour which affects share prices, it is claimed.
It could also be used by detectives - for instance to trace the source of paedophile photographs traded on the Internet. The program also understands questions posed in everyday language, such as: "Where did that rumour that Acme's share price would go through the roof originate?"
PA
