An instant messaging client presents messages and removes the messages
from display after a predetermined amount of time. In one preferred
embodiment, the predetermined amount of time is agreed upon by all
participants during a policy negotiation. Each message may be associated
with a display time and when the current time differs from the display
time by a predetermined amount, the message is removed from the display.
Messages may also be presented in a non-editable display area to prevent
manual logging of the messaging content.