CellPhone Service Angers Anti-Child Porn Group

WINNIPEG, Manitoba — A cellphone promotional package being sold in Manitoba, Canada, puts teens at risk of cyber predators, says a group that fights Internet child pornography.

Beyond Borders Inc., a Canadian anti-child pornography advocacy group, is claiming Manitoba Telecom Services' plan called Evolve, which allows teenagers to buy prepaid cellular service without parental approval, makes teens easier targets for pedophiles.

"We think it's unacceptable to provide kids with a cellphone without parental control, when we well know that they can access the web with those cellphones," Beyond Borders Vice President Norman Boudreau said.

Almost any basic cellphone allows its user to surf the Internet, join chat rooms and receive text messages. Such features could allow pedophiles to lure kids without any possibility of parental supervision, Boudreau said.

But MTS Spokeswoman Michelle Bailey said children can access the Internet through many avenues, adding that it's up to parents to teach their teens about safety.

"We have to be involved in [kids’] everyday activities as much as possible and teach them that things like the Internet, things like their cellphones need to be used responsibly," Bailey said.

MTS’ Evolve program was launched last summer, along with a marketing campaign aimed at teens, including television ads showing sad-looking teens without cellphones in baby seats and on child tethers.

Bailey said the plan has proven popular with teens, allowing family members to stay in touch with each other. She also said MTS is fighting child pornography by helping fund national programs such as Cybertip, a toll-free line allowing the public to report websites that include child pornography.

MTS's Internet division also offers its customers filtering software that restricts access to pornographic sites, Bailey said.

"We think that we are actually a very responsible organization overall," she added.

Beyond Borders has requested that Canadian companies follow the lead of British Telecom, which maintains a filter on its own servers. When attempting to access a website found to contain child pornography, customers receive an error message.

Last year, British Telecom reported its filter blocked 23,000 daily attempts to access illegal child abuse websites.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Age Verification Watch: Patching the Holes

This roundup provides an update on the latest news and developments on the age verification front as it impacts the adult industry.

Pineapple Support to Host Autism Spectrum Support Group

Pineapple Support is hosting a free online support group for performers and creators who are, or suspect they may be, on the autism spectrum.

ImLive Launches Revamped Member Loyalty Program

Cam platform ImLive has revamped its member loyalty program.

GoFundMe Set Up for Danny Ferretti's Medical Expenses

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for Fangear founder Danny Ferretti, who requires extensive lung surgery.

Byborg Acquires Cuties AI

Byborg Enterprises has acquired adult artificial intelligence startup Cuties AI.

Irish Government Releases Report on Sex Work Decriminalization Legislation

The Irish government has released a report reviewing a 2017 law that decriminalized sex work across the country.

Texas Bill Would Require Age Verification for Online Sex Toy Sales

A new bill in the Texas state legislature would require online retailers to implement age verification of purchasers before selling “obscene devices” to anyone in that state.

New York Assemblyman Proposes Banning the Term 'Sex Work'

Republican New York Assembly Member Brian Maher has introduced a bill to prohibit the use of the term "sex work" in government documents.

Age Verification Watch: Michigan Joins the AV Club, Some Laws Just Make No Sense

This roundup provides an update on the latest news and developments on the age verification front as it impacts the adult industry.

Free Speech Groups Back SCOTUS Appeal of Georgia Strip Club Tax

Two civil liberties organizations filed an amicus brief Tuesday supporting a petition asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hear an appeal in a case involving whether a tax specifically aimed at adult entertainment establishments violates the First Amendment.

Show More