Disney takes on ICQ

Walt Disney will target children as it dives into the phenomenally popular business of instant messaging, dipping into the pool currently dominated by America Online's ICQ.

Disney to offer instant messaging update Walt Disney plans to begin offering instant messaging--dubbed BlastPal--as part of its subscription-based online children's service, according to an email sent to users. Firm gives ICQ offline seeking ability Israeli-based communications firm NECS is giving ICQ users a way to find their buddies even when they aren't connected to the Internet. Spam is ICQ's latest headache Users of America Online's popular instant messaging software are discovering that the service is also a way for marketers to "seek" them.