NetSafe – The Internet Safety Group
Media Release
21 September 2006
NetSafe urges public to lock their mobile phones! – private pics at risk
NetSafe – The Internet Safety Group, has recently had contact from people who have had sensitive information (like
sexually explicit photos which were stored on their mobile phones) accessed and misused by others.
NetSafe suggests that people use a private pin number to lock their mobiles to help prevent this happening.
“Using a pin number to lock your mobile makes it harder for people to get access to your private information and adds a
safeguard in case the phone is lost or stolen” says Lee Chisholm, Programmes Manager at NetSafe.
NetSafe’s Contact Centre (0508 NETSAFE) takes calls and email queries regarding bullying, harassment and other misuse of
Information and Communication Technology (ICT). “We have had some disturbing situations where information on mobile
phones has been misused, causing distress” says Lee.
“We advise people to be very circumspect about recording (and allowing others to take) photos and videos on their own or
others mobile phones, and to add the safeguard of pin locking their own mobile phone” says Lee.
“Seemingly safe, even fun situations can turn sour if recorded information is shared, or misused without people’s
permission. Relationships, friendships change and photos or videos can be stored forever” says Lee.
Lee says, “technology enables relatively easy accessing and copying of information from mobile phones. With more and
more people using their phones to take photos and videos there are risks that sensitive or even intimate information may
be shared, sent on, or misused”.
ENDS