SA’s three cellular network operators have signed a code of conduct to protect users from junk mail on their cellphones and to try to prevent children from accessing pornography on their handsets.

Vodacom, MTN and Cell C signed the code yesterday, although they admit that there are no technologies available to prevent inquisitive youngsters from accessing adult material by using a cellphone to browse the internet.

The code is just a first step to protect the reputation of the industry. The operators said that by committing themselves to the code, they would be taking “reasonable steps” to govern content delivery.

The operators will deliver only commercial messages to people who have agreed to receive them. That should prevent users from being bombarded with unwanted advertising on their handsets.

The operators must provide an easy way for users to unsubscribe from messaging services, and must set up a complaints procedure.

The operators will work closely with the Wireless Application Service Providers’ Association, an industry body representing hundreds of companies that generate or deliver mobile content, including ring tones, games, competitions and pornography.

“We want to make sure as parents that we don’t allow unsuitable material to reach our children,” said Vodacom corporate affairs director Mthobi Tyamzashe.

“But there were technical limits to what the operators can do, so parents have to take responsibility.”

The cellular operators have been under fire from parents and religious leaders worried about mobile porn, said MTN’s GM of products and innovation, Ashraff Paruk.

http://www.businessday.co.za/article...?ID=BD4A108532

Just thought this was an interesting find, cell phone porn hasnt even started to reach its potential yet and, already, as many of us mentioned in Jasuns thread the other day, several companies are already trying to end it.

Regards,

Lee