PhonepayPlus, the phone-paid services regulator, has launched an emergency procedure investigation under paragraph 8.6.1 of its Code of Practice (11th Edition amended April 2008), following complaints from members of the public about a Virtual Chat Service called ‘Local Sex Buddies’.
PhonepayPlus has received evidence suggesting that, amongst other issues, the service continues to charge users without the positive interaction required by the Code, which can lead to charges being incurred.
Instant Dialogue Limited has been identified as the Information Provider responsible for the service, and MX Telecom Limited is the Service Provider as defined by the Code. A Tribunal will decide whether the service is in breach of the Code approximately 10 days after PhonepayPlus has received a response from the Service Provider to its emergency procedure notice. At the start of the investigation, this service was suspended but, after a review of this action, the bar was lifted as the Information Provider was able to make immediate and sufficient changes to the service. However, the revenue will continue to be withheld, pending the conclusion of the investigation and a decision by the Tribunal.
Other service providers are reminded that enabling the ‘Local Sex Buddies’ service, or any other services that operate in a similar way, may result in breaches of the Code being raised against them.
For more information visit:
http://www.phonepayplus.org.uk/output/news/emergency-procedure-investigation-231109.aspx