Website Ask.fm to get more oversight of complaints

New York's attorney general says new owners of the website Ask.fm have agreed to provide more oversight of complaints in an attempt to curb harassment and bullying.

The question-and-answer website popular among teens has been acquired by the owners of Ask.com. Doug Leeds, Ask.com's chief executive, says the focus is ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience for users.

Launched in 2010, Ask.fm claims more than 180 million monthly active users worldwide, with 42 percent under 18. Users can anonymously ask questions of other registered users.

Under the agreement announced Thursday by New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, the website will hire a trust and safety officer, review user complaints within 24 hours and remove users who have been the subject of multiple complaints.

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