It’s been called a cross between youtube.com and myspace.com, but Kimberly Scott said stickam.com is better than both of those popular Web sites.

(kgw.com graphic)

“You hear about people addicted to myspace, and I have one, but I love stickam so much more,” said Scott, a 19-year-old from Albany, Oregon.

Stickam.com allows users like Scott to chat live via webcams. Scott likes the ability to see whom she’s chatting with.

But the FBI sees a potential for danger.

“I describe this as an evil page,” said FBI Special Agent Jane Brillhart, “The total webcam thing out there is just evil waiting to happen.”

 More: Special section: Keeping Kids Safe

According to law enforcement agents, webcam chats between strangers can lead to unwanted sexually graphic images being shown live to children or adults.

  Watch the KGW report

Kimberly Scott told kgw.com said she received sexually explicit pictures without solicitation.

Special Agent Brillhart goes undercover looking for sexual predators. She expects future prosecutions to come from webcam complaints.

“I think this is something we’re going to start getting information on and tips from people who say there’s things happening on this page that are inappropriate,” said Brillhart.

Disclaimers on the Web site warn users not to send obscene images. Users under the age of 14 are not allowed to set up profiles on stickam.

In a written statement, a spokesperson for stickam.com told kgw.com the site does provide filters and removes users who act inappropriately. The spokesperson released this statement:

“Stickam, a revolutionary online communications technology, provides millions with the capability to view, chat and broadcast live video simultaneously.

The site is designed for a safe user experience and employs safeguards to protect its members against online threats. Stickam does not condone obscenity, or any online activity that would create an unhealthy or dangerous environment. The company maintains strict policies against any such content or activity and has already proactively banned over 4500 former users for inappropriate actions online.

Additionally, Stickam actively cooperates with law enforcement and other governing authorities to identify users who violate our policies. Stickam is deeply committed to continuously evolving its technology and security solutions to better protect its members.

However, the Stickam website is no different than any other website or peer-to-peer communications platform; although the vast majority of users will use such services responsibly, there will always be individuals who will abuse them. Therefore we encourage parents and families to openly discuss and exercise safe online practices.