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31/03/2017
Parents Warned Over App Linked To Cyber Bullying
Parents have been warned to check their children's devices following the discovery of an "abusive" app called SimSimi which has been linked to cyber bullying.
The app appears to be a computer generated chat room where users talk to a very abusive computer, according to the PSNI.
It has been described as an artificial intelligence chatting robot.
SimSimi has been made unavailable in Ireland, however it can still be downloaded in Northern Ireland.
A PSNI Down spokesperson said: "We had only been using the app for two minutes before we got quite the surprise!
"Please be aware of it and its explicit nature! The app is rated as 17+ but I am twice that age and was really shocked at some of the stuff that came back! It also has in-app purchasing and advertised posts!
"We have reported it to the App Store and will include it in our internet safety talks but parents, carers and internet users should keep an eye out for it and avoid."
(CD/LM)
The app appears to be a computer generated chat room where users talk to a very abusive computer, according to the PSNI.
It has been described as an artificial intelligence chatting robot.
SimSimi has been made unavailable in Ireland, however it can still be downloaded in Northern Ireland.
A PSNI Down spokesperson said: "We had only been using the app for two minutes before we got quite the surprise!
"Please be aware of it and its explicit nature! The app is rated as 17+ but I am twice that age and was really shocked at some of the stuff that came back! It also has in-app purchasing and advertised posts!
"We have reported it to the App Store and will include it in our internet safety talks but parents, carers and internet users should keep an eye out for it and avoid."
(CD/LM)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
