Bebo on Monday launched a Latino version of the US social networking website as the Internet service owned by America On Line strives to gain ground in a market led by Facebook and MySpace.

Bebo on Monday launched a Latino version of the US social networking website as the Internet service owned by America On Line strives to gain ground in a market led by Facebook and MySpace.

Bebo's US Latino is built with a Lifestream platform that lets users link to their accounts at YouTube, , Twitter, , or elsewhere on the Internet.

The site, launched at .com/c/latino, will feature videos, photo galleries, polls, quizzes, and surveys from Hearst Magazines Digital Media as well as bilingual US online portal AOL Latino.

Along with Bebo Latino, AOL launched a Tecnopadres.com technology news and information website aimed at Spanish-speaking parents.

"Expanding into new markets is a key pillar of our growth strategy, and we see huge potential for the growing Latino audience in the United States," said Bebo International vice president Nicole Vanderbilt.

"Our platform allows users to connect with other users, entertainment and brands, both globally and locally."

Bebo claims to have more than 22 million users of its online social-networking services in Britain, Ireland, Poland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.

(c) 2009 AFP