MySpace has removed 200,000 profiles from its site in the last few months. The "objectionable" pages have been taken down for including hate speech or being too risqué.

News Corp internet division head Ross Levinsohn told press it was an internet problem rather than a feature of MySpace. The site contains thousands of profiles of individuals outlining their musical tastes and dating needs. It has also proved popular with school bullies setting up pages attacking their victims.

News Corp wants to smarten MySpace up to attract more advertisers and marketeers without alienating its users, who are attracted by its slightly anarchic feel. It is hoping to attract advertising from mainstream brands and is setting up an account team to help sell space across its internet properties.

More from the FT here. ®

Related stories

• Balls: Schools should police the net (21 September 2007)

  https://www.theregister.com/2007/09/21/cyber_bullying_guide_schools/

• Teen data on Myspace compromised (30 August 2006)

  https://www.theregister.com/2006/08/30/myspace_teen_data_hacked/

• MySpace, a place without MyParents (3 July 2006)

  https://www.theregister.com/2006/07/03/myspace_parenting/

• MySpace case opens security can of worms (28 June 2006)

  https://www.theregister.com/2006/06/28/myspace_opinion/

• 'Rude' councillor hangs up his hat (12 June 2006)

  https://www.theregister.com/2006/06/12/chichester_davies_drop/

• Times TV goes live (8 June 2006)

  https://www.theregister.com/2006/06/08/times_tv_roo/

• Times to flick switch on net TV (6 June 2006)

  https://www.theregister.com/2006/06/06/times_online/

• Teen hack suspects charged over MySpace extortion bid (25 May 2006)

  https://www.theregister.com/2006/05/25/myspace_hack_charges/

• Interactive TV to capture MySpace generation (25 May 2006)

  https://www.theregister.com/2006/05/25/mynetworktv_becomes_myspacetv/

• Murdoch wants teenagers'... (3 May 2006)

  https://www.theregister.com/2006/05/03/myspace_terms/

• Police find rape suspects on MySpace (27 March 2006)

  https://www.theregister.com/2006/03/27/myspace_crime/

• Don't be scared of Sky (17 February 2006)

  https://www.theregister.com/2006/02/17/dont_fear_sky/

• Murdoch to bring MySpace to UK (24 January 2006)

  https://www.theregister.com/2006/01/24/myspace_to_uk/

• Murdoch buys blogs (19 July 2005)

  https://www.theregister.com/2005/07/19/murdoch_buys_blogs/

• Website compiles sexual partner database (2 June 2005)

  https://www.theregister.com/2005/06/02/sexual_partner_database/