What does the flasing lock mean next to a name in my buddy list?

[stockjock]

For some reason my buddy list just started popping up again on my screen. Can someone tell me what the flasing lock mean next to a name in my buddy list

 

[minendo]

It means he is on house arrest.

 

[OulOat]

Buddly list? Lock? The?

 

[stockjock]

no really...I have about 8 peeps on my buddy list and they all have the PM symbol (lock) next to their names on the left hand side...well, one of them has their PM symbol (lock) flashing. I click on it the flashing lock and it says this "No messages have been found or you are not authorized to view this message." and it conitinues to flash on and off. Whats the deal?