MCV/DEVELOP News, events, research and jobs from the games industry
Nintendo has suspended its Swapnote service (aka Nintendo Letter Box) for the 3DS after discovering some consumers have been using the messaging app to exchange offensive” photographic material.
The company explains on its website that some users, including minors, have been exchanging friend codes on the Internet and then using the app’s photo sharing feature to send and receive inappropriate images.
"Nintendo has learned that some consumers, including minors, have been exchanging their friend codes on Internet bulletin boards and then using Swapnote (known as Nintendo Letter Box in other regions) to exchange offensive material," the release states.
"Nintendo has been investigating ways of preventing this and determined it is best to stop the SpotPass feature of Swapnote because it allows direct exchange of photos and was actively misused."
3DS owners no longer have the ability to exchange notes using SpotPass, as both SwapNote and Special Notes services have been suspended. The firm felt the feature suspensions were necessary due to the large number of minors who use the app.
"[We wish] to provide a positive experience for all consumers and limit the risk of any inappropriate activity or misuse of a service."
The company adds it will continue to highlight the system’s Parental Control features moving forward.
