Patent Document ID: 8145708
Application ID: 11558781

Base Claim:
1. One or more computer memory embodying computer-readable instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to implement operations comprising: providing a guardian component configured to use natural language processing techniques to monitor and evaluate online conversations, wherein the providing is performed via a presence-based network in which the guardian component serves as a proxy between conversation participants using an instant messaging application and the guardian component is: a visually displayable contact icon in a contact list that includes online contacts for a user of the instant messaging application; configured to provide a first visual indicator, associated with the displayed contact icon, that alerts a user of the instant messaging application of potential risk; and configured to provide a second visual indicator that presents a textual dialogue warning to the user of the instant messaging application of the potential risk; monitoring, with the guardian component, one or more of the online conversations for a group of users in accordance with a criteria, wherein the guardian component is configured to extend and adapt the criteria over time to establish new rules that govern new problematic scenarios learned based on interactions in the one or more online conversations; and implementing one or more remedial actions employing the first visual indicator and the second visual indicator in an event that a monitored online conversation is determined to be problematic, wherein the monitored online conversation is determined to be problematic when at least one of: personal information is disclosed; inappropriate language is communicated; or an electronic file is exchanged.

---

Claim 3:
3. The one or more computer memory of claim 1 , wherein the act of providing is performed by providing the guardian component through the presence-based network.