Mobile users to get code of practice

Mobile phone operators Telecom and Vodafone are to develop a mobile phone code of practice aimed at protecting young cellphone users from sexual predators.

Vodafone has said it wanted to be part of a group to work on the code and Telecom spokesman John Goulter said it would also be involved.

The moves have been prompted by the closure of Vodafone's mobile chatroom Teenzone on October 15, after the Herald on Sunday discovered Vodafone had been infiltrated by men claiming to be as old as 38 who were using the service to try to meet girls as young as 13 for sex.

Mr Goulter said the code would be worked on in the Telecommunications Carriers Forum beginning in the next two months.

He said protocols would be put in place to make sure chatrooms were being used appropriately. "Really just making sure that customers can be sure that they are safe and not at risk in any way in the mobile chatrooms."

Mr Goulter said age restrictions and checking would be important but education would be just as important. A complaints procedure would be part of the code.

Mr Goulter said Telecom provided chatrooms through Xtra and third-party suppliers but allowed only "accredited, responsible" suppliers.

Associate Minister of Communications David Cunliffe welcomed the code of practice move.

"The Government will work with the Telecommunications Carriers Forum to ensure they have any legal backing they need."

He expected to see a draft code of practice before the end of the year.

Vodafone NZ spokeswoman Sarah Williams said on Sunday that Vodafone was proposing age restrictions for mobile chatrooms. "We recommend mobile chat be for those over the age of 16," she said.

"Your chat nickname is all that other chatters will see, so don't give out your personal details."

- NZPA