IT specialist Mathew Riddle has launched a mobile application named FokOffMense, designed to help South Africans identify and report spam callers. The app, which went live in early July, allows users to log spam numbers and file formal requests under the Protection of Personal Information Act (Popia), providing a pathway to escalate non-compliant companies to the Information Regulator. Within ten days of its release, the app recorded 700 user reports.
Did You Know?
The app name, FokOffMense, is derived from the Afrikaans phrase for “f— off.” According to Riddle, the name was chosen to reflect the widespread frustration South Africans feel toward unsolicited spam calls.
Functionality and User Safeguards
The app functions similarly to existing call-screening services like Truecaller by utilizing a community-based reporting system. When a user marks a call or email as spam, the information is shared with other users, allowing them to block the number before being contacted themselves. To prevent malicious use, such as targeting individuals or debt collectors, the system requires a number to be reported multiple times—typically near ten—before it is automatically flagged or listed.
Addressing the Scale of Spam in South Africa
Riddle’s software enters a market where spam is a significant and growing issue. According to the Truecaller Global Insights Report, South Africa ranks among the ten countries most affected by spam calls globally, with nearly 30% of calls from unknown numbers identified as spam. In the first quarter of this year alone, the country saw billions of spam calls and spam messages.
Potential Future Developments
Companies that fail to comply with Popia regulations face enforcement notices, which can lead to fines of up to R10 million or imprisonment. Users who have already utilized the app report that they have begun receiving responses from companies following their formal complaints.
Riddle, who developed the app independently, currently offers a free version, with premium and family subscription models available at R99 and R279 respectively. He intends to maintain the service without advertising.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the app handle potential abuse by users?
The system includes safeguards that prevent a number from being automatically listed or blocked after a single report. A number typically requires close to ten reports from different users to trigger an automatic flag.
What legal authority does the app leverage?
The app allows users to file formal requests under the Protection of Personal Information Act (Popia). This enables users to report companies that do not honor the prohibition of direct marketing through unsolicited electronic communication.
Is the app free to use?
There is a free version of the app available, alongside a premium version priced at R99 and a family plan covering up to five people for R279. None of the versions contain advertising.
Could this app change how South Africans handle unsolicited marketing calls?
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