MXit has collaborated with the police's Cyber Crime Unit to help the Hawks arrest a suspected leader of a child pornography ring, who was using the service - along with other social media - to spread illegal content.
The suspect, a 38-year-old former policeman, appeared in court yesterday. According to reports, the “horrific” images of at least 20 different young girls are claimed to have been taken by the suspect himself.
MXit, a free instant messaging and mobile social networking service, says it will not tolerate any abuse of its platform.
The company issued a statement commending its social community for blowing the whistle on the man, who allegedly attempted to sell explicit material on the platform.
“We have worked really hard to make MXit one of the safest global networks, and we are really pleased that our community is joining us in keeping our collective social environment free of crime or any unsavoury element,” says MXit's international business development and marketing head, Juan du Toit.
According to the statement from the company, MXit proactively works with the SAPS and its Cyber Crime Unit to eradicate any criminal behaviour on the platform. The company also provides the SAPS with social media training to assist police in understanding the social landscape.
Not isolated to MXit
MXit also slammed the media for “deliberately” omitting to report that the man also used e-mail and other social networks to sell his photographs.
“This is a serious case, especially since it involves children,” says Du Toit. “The public has the right to hear the whole truth, and all the facts, not only those that are aimed at selling newspapers.
“This case isn't isolated to MXit; it is believed that the man also used e-mail, instant messaging platforms and other social networks.”
Safety measures
According to MXit, users can alert the network to inappropriate behaviour by typing a “.rat” command when in a chat environment. The command allows MXit's moderators to see the last 30 strings of a conversation and take appropriate action.
Explaining the security measures the service has in place, MXit says its chatrooms are moderated up to 14 hours a day, with extensive moderator presence available in all “Teen Zones”.
Parents can also make use of the chatroom blocking feature to stop their children from using the platform. In compliance with the Child Protection Act, MXit also doesn't allow adults to engage with children or teenagers, and chatrooms are split age-appropriately.
In terms of offensive material, MXit says that, should any content contravene its terms and conditions, or cause harm to innocent victims, it will be removed.
“When forwarding the material, always ensure the name of the said file is included in the mail. MXit will then remove the material from all profiles that have it saved to their galleries,” says the company.
“MXit will suspend or ban users who abuse its technology - and in extreme cases, following correct legal process, it will assist authorities when the abuse warrants their involvement.”
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