A “vocal networking” site has been launched in the United Kingdom by software engineering graduate Chris Ridgeon, The Inquirer reported Wednesday. The site, Internet Shout, is aimed at filling a spot in the social networking landscape by being the world's first “purpose-built voice-based forum.”

The network's 22-year-old creator said that while verbal communication has been used in live chat, it may be “more useful” if conversations “build up over time, with many participants from different backgrounds and locations.”

All the interactions on the site will be verbal, including personal voice messages.

Ridgeon will be working on the project with UK firm Internet Provider Node4, which will permit “high-quality voice” to be immediately delivered to users' computers, according to The Inquirer.

“A major step in development is features for the blind and visually impaired as I think this would enhance their Internet experience. This is just the beginning,” Ridgeon told The Inquirer.

Younger users will be shielded from possibly inappropriate content by blocking private messages from users, unless they come from a list of pre-approved members. Background music or a “Music Arena” may be available and artists will have the chance to upload songs, the Inquirer reported.

Internet Shout will be free, but Ridgeon hopes to appeal to advertisers in the future.