Police have warned that miscreants who send pornographic material at public places via Bluetooth are breaking the law and could face jail.
"Distribution of obscene material of any nature in public is an offence under UAE law," a police officer said.
He also warned that if anyone is caught sending nude pictures and obscene or offensive messages by mobile or any other means faces criminal charges.
Police said they have received no formal complaints about the problem, but point out that the misuse of modern technology, in general, poses challenges for public morality.
In the hands of bored and depraved individuals, Bluetooth-enabled camera phones have become a new tool of nuisance.
Mobiles with their Bluetooth capability turned on within a radius of about 15 metres of the sender can receive the messages.
"It's an irritating new hobby that's spreading fast, particularly among young mobile phone users," said Syed Wazir Hussain, an Al Ain-based computer-networking analyst.
"Those who do not want to receive a nuisance message should keep the Bluetooth options turned off when they are not needed."
Bluetooth provides omni-directional wireless communication across a short distance. "Like all other technologies, it is a double-edged sword," Hussain said.
Hussain said anybody can misuse the technology, but it is a useful invention that provides wireless connectivity between mobile phones, handheld computers, mobile PCs and other electronic equipment.
Shopping malls, cinema houses and public places are reportedly popular spots for mischievous people playing tricks on other mobile users who keep Bluetooth turned on or forget to turn it off.
Potential recipients also have the option to accept or reject a message as the mobile phone sounds an alert when a message is being received.
People usually open the messages out of simple curiosity because they do not know what they have received and who the sender is.
"Simply reject the message if you don't know its contents or the sender," the officer said.
Abbas Mehdi, another networking analyst, said video clips, pictures and text messages can be sent via Bluetooth. A number of hoaxes are also doing the rounds saying that viruses can also be sent to mobiles. "I think this might be possible in the near future, so people should guard against it," he said.
Bluetooth messages, he said, do not reveal the identity of the sender and this encourages people to send unwanted material. "The messages carry only the sender's chosen nickname [invented identification] without disclosing the sender's real name, telephone number or any other information," he said.
Pervez Naqvi, a Pakistani expatriate, complained that he received such messages when he first used his Bluetooth. "I am careful to avoid this nuisance now."
"My only worry is the viruses," said Naqvi, adding that he feels all of his data and contact information could be at risk.
A.K. Mohammad Sultan, from India, received a nude picture several days ago when he was in a shopping mall. "I was shocked to see the picture and immediately deleted it," he said.
Bluetooth technology
- Bluetooth provides omni-directional wireless communication across a short distance.
- Mobile phones with their Bluetooth capability turned on within a radius of about 15 metres of the sender can receive messages. Video clips, pictures and text messages can be sent via Bluetooth.
- Bluetooth messages do not reveal the identity of the sender and this encourages people to send unwanted material.
Gulf News
