RICHMOND, Va. -- Kik, a messenger app frequently downloaded by teens across the United States, has law enforcement concerned.
"I just got it because my friends were talking about it," Karina Salinas, a 13-year-old student in Hanover said.
But the app is a concern for law enforcement because strangers can easily search and message your child. The app also offers limited parental controls.
In New Jersey, a convicted pedophile called the app "well known in our industry." In Michigan another convicted sex offender said "I can get anybody I want" via the app.
And just last week, a Fairfax manwas accused of soliciting sex via the app while last month a Virginia Beach manwas sentenced to 20 years for using the app to target girls.
Patrick Siewart
Patrick Siewart, a digital forensic expert, said the app is a challenge for law enforcement since it is based in Canada.
"If you try to send a subpoena to Canada they are not going to honor it, so what law enforcement has to do is contact the Canadian authorities," Siewart said.
Kik did not respond to CBS 6 News request for comment, but does provide links on their website for law enforcement.
