UK company pioneers self-destructing text messages

By Simon Aughton

Posted on 13 Dec 2005 at 14:38

A UK company has developed a technology for sending text messages that self-destruct.

Not only will StealthText messages be automatically deleted once they have been read they can only be read by the recipient in possession of the necessary 'secret code'. It will be possible to reply to messages, but not to forward them. The communication will be logged on Staellium's secure server to comply with data retention laws.

Staellium says that the idea of potentially embarrassing or sensitive messages not falling into the wrong hands is likely to appeal to celebrities and businesses.

'Until now, mobile phone users have had to rely on recipients to delete sensitive text messages on their behalf; although a number of high profile cases (Rebecca Loos), have shown that this cannot always be relied on,' it says.

'"This tape will self-destruct in five seconds" became a household phrase in the 60s and 70s thanks to the creators of Mission Impossible, and now 30 years later the ability to send your own self destruct messages has become a reality.'

For more information go to www.stealthtext.net.