Mayo Fine Gael TD John O'Mahony has called on the Government and the Communications Regulator ComReg to restrict children and minors from accessing premium text and phone lines from their mobile phones without parental authorisation.
Deputy O’Mahony said some families are facing massive bills as a result of children accessing premium phone services without their parents’ permission. He said new restrictions could be introduced through new laws or tougher regulations, which would restrict children from accessing premium text or phone services unless authorised by parents or guardians.
“I have been contacted by parents who are very concerned that children can send texts or can call premium text lines. In many cases the children did not realise that they were signing up to a premium service which sends them expensive text messages on a regular basis, and runs up large bills.
“I believe the Government should act to protect children in any way possible from this kind of exploitation.”
