Self-destructing Text Messages Popular in the UK

Posted on December 14, 2005

The BBC reports that a new self-destructing SMS service called StealthText proved popular on its opening day with thousands of people subscribing. The BBC says the service, which was based on military technology, allows messages to be destroyed just 40 seconds after they have been read.

"The technology behind StealthText is derived from military technology, so the comparisons with Mission Impossible are justified," said Carole Barnum, chief executive of Staellium UK.

"The ability to send a self-destruct message has massive benefits for people from all walks of life, from everyday mobile users through to celebrities and business people," she said.

The most high-profile case of embarrassing text messages in recent years was the revelations of messages sent from England football captain David Beckham to his personal assistant Rebecca Loos.

Privacy comes at a price. Each text using the system costs 50 pence, though users have to sign up for a minimum of 10 messages.

So far the service only works with a UK registered phone service. No word on when it will be available in the U.S.


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