Activating the Vodacom Adult Content Management Service (see below for MTN)
Adult Content Management is a system that provides protective measures against access to illegal or sexually explicit content on the internet based on the website visited. Note: This protection does not apply to the content sent via SMS, MMS or email to/from Vodacom customers. This means that you as parent will be empowered to block your own phone or your children from accessing sexually explicit content, giving you peace of mind about services offered by Vodacom and Vodacom content providers.
The service is available to all contract and prepaid subscribers including Top Up.
You can activate Adult Content Management in the following ways:
- By dialing *111*123# from the cellphone you want to block (thus blocking the mobile number and SIM card). (On some phones it will request for you to "answer" following which you will select "Option 1" by entering the number "1" and then you will "submit")
- By calling Vodacom customer care on 082111.
- By calling at a Vodacom Approved Dealer.
Once the service has been activated, you will not be able to unblock the cellphone by yourself. To unblock the cellphone, you must visit a Vodacom Service Provider Walk In Customer Care or Vodacom Approved Trade Partner.
If the user attempts to use the SIM card in another phone this will not work - the service is linked to the cellphone number (SIM card), so regardless of the cellphone used the Adult Content Management protection will apply.
To see whether the service has been activated successfully, you can check in the following ways:
- By visiting Vodacom's website on
www.vodacom4me.co.za. After you have logged in, go to the My Account - Services menu option.
- By calling Vodacom Customer Services on 082 111.
- By visiting a Vodacom Approved Dealer.
It is advisable that you check that the service remains active at regular intervals using the instructions above, as well as performing regular spot checks by browsing the web using the cellphone - if you are able to access unsuitable content there is a possibility that the ACM service has been disabled.
NB: It is highly recommend that all cellphone contracts be taken out in your name for purposes of control and management. We also suggest that you visit your nearest Vodacom/MTN outlet to get assistance with applying the relevant security settings to lock your SIM card to a designated handset, thus preventing your children or spouse from purchasing their own prepaid SIM cards in attempt to browse the internet without restrictions.
Activating MTN Parental Control
As all MTN customers automatically have access to adult content as well as gaming sites, MTN Parental Control allows parents and guardians to restrict minors from accessing certain types of content. You may choose to block access to one, a few or all of the following content types:
- Adult content/content suitable for individuals 18 years and older
- Gambling
- Anonymous chat services and un-moderated chat services
How to set up MTN Parental Control
Simply dial *101# from the handset you would like to restrict content on and follow the easy-to-use menu prompts.
Then:
- Select the content category to be barred.
- Create a PIN number; this number will allow you to alter the filter settings or remove it entirely at a later stage.
- Input your cellphone number to receive updates on the filter �s settings and your chosen PIN number.
Maintaining MTN Parental Control
By dialing *101#, the range of blocked services and content can be changed along with your chosen PIN number and details. Alternatively, MTN pre-paid customers may dial 173 for assistance and MTN contract customers may dial 808 for further support. In addition, MTN will send an SMS message to both you and the cellphone with restricted access to mobile content detailing any changes.
How does it work?
Whenever any MTN customer uses their cellphone or device to access online content, the site visited is first verified against the parental control setting for that individual. If they attempt to view restricted mobile content, it is blocked and the following message will be presented instead:
"Hello, your Mobile Content Access Profile does not allow you access to the site. Please dial *101# to change your profile settings."
MTN continuously updates a database which classifies websites into the categories detailed above. This classification is used to determine whether access will be granted. Additionally, if you come across a website that you feel should be included in the barred database, you can ask MTN to investigate and they will, if necessary, include it in their database of restricted content.
Restrictions
MTN Parental Control is unable to do the following:
- Block access to user-generated content (e.g. home videos, clips and personal pictures)
- Prevent the transmission of blocked content over Bluetooth
- Filter person-to-person MMS messages
This is because this content is not classified and cannot be screened.
How much does MTN Parental Control cost?
MTN offers this service free of charge. There are no fees for blocking and unblocking content, nor are there any charges for altering a filter profile, updating a PIN number or changing your details.
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