Social Networking Concerns Extend to Mobile Phones

As concerns over online predators of teens and children through social networking Web sites grow, industry professionals say mobile operators and subscribers must employ solutions that block this same inappropriate and harmful content and contact from children's mobile phones.

"Everything available online is now available on cell phones - that includes social networking sites like myspace and friendster," said Tom Erskine, vice president and general manager of bcgi, a leading provider of access management solutions. "Parents, school officials and others are closely monitoring and putting controls in place to manage computer use, but mobile phones offer children the ability to access unsafe and offensive material, images and messages virtually anywhere at anytime."

Nearly a third of all tweens, or 8- to 12-year-olds, have a mobile phone, and that number that is expected to double by 2010, according to the Yankee Group. Consumer technology experts, wireless industry executives and others are encouraging mobile operators and subscribers to utilize safeguards.

"The potential for children and teens to access inappropriate content through their mobile phones is real. Operators must be aware of this and provide parents with the tools they need to safeguard their children's cell phone usage," said Jill Aldort, Yankee Group wireless industry senior analyst. "Parents need an easy-to-use solution that controls when a phone can be used and blocks inappropriate Web sites and other potentially harmful and inappropriate materials and messaging."

bcgi offers a product called Mobile Guardian, a flexible system for the real-time management of voice, messaging and content services. By bundling advanced content filtering, subscriber profile management and age verification capabilities in a single platform, Mobile Guardian provides mobile subscribers with tools to prevent unwanted contact and communication, and limit access to unauthorized content. Mobile Guardian helps mobile operators provide control as a value-added service, allowing responsible delivery of new voice, content and messaging services.

"The introduction of advanced, easy-to-use filtering technology and solutions enable mobile operators and their subscribers to effectively protect and manage cell phone use," Erskine said. "Real-time, on-the-fly filtering of inappropriate Web sites, phone numbers and messages can now be easily integrated into an operator's network to create a safer mobile environment."

Posted to the site on 12th June 2006