Count 19 was developed by a high school matric learner (not named) and Michael Jordan, who has completed his honours in actuarial science. It is a social media platform that allows users to broadcast anonymous messages to those within a certain radius who have also downloaded the app.

It pretty ingenious, really and there’s nothing actually wrong with it. Except the remix of logos used to create its own one:

But when the app was launched last week Wednesday, it went viral and was downloaded by a large number of students at the same school as the young developer, Saheti School. The pupils largely misused it, broadcasting messages that were insulting and degrading to pupils and teachers at the school. Ouch.

The problem is that messages are anonymous and are read via a single feed on the users phone. This anonymity has got the school confused as to who to prosecute. But South African law is different to other laws:

South African law is different. Hate speech is a criminal offence and whoever posted on it is accountable.

So will the matriculant be charged? Highly doubtful. His partner, Michael, explained the following:

I’m not sure what the future holds in terms of where possible disciplinary action will be taken. The student is saying he is not responsible. There is a possibility [of legal action]. We are not saying yes or no. We are exploring all avenues, and we are going the route of determining who the authors were of the comments.

I got phone calls from Saheti lawyers who said they could potentially take legal action, and that we are liable for what is said on the app. Kids do get out of hand, but it’s like when you go to the bathroom and see what is written behind a toilet door.

Although Michael pulled the app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store for an evening, he made it available again because, well, freedom of speech. The two developers met with staff and pupils, and were requested to remove the app until correct forms of moderation and filter process was put in place. The matriculant, however, refused. He instead wanted the app to move away from the school, leaving its bubble, and reaching the rest of the world.

Discussions on the app were still happening this past Tuesday:

Do you think it’s wrong that Mr Taylor had IT specialists trying to find out our ID?”, while another said: “I have better discussions on this app than I do on Whatsapp and Facebook”.

Some users used the app to discuss weighty topics like: “What are your views on religion? Any atheists in the house? If so… why?”

Responses stayed on topic, discussing an essay by philosopher Charles Sanders Peirce, whilst another post answered: “Religion is like a penis. It’s okay to have one, it’s okay to be somewhat proud of it, but it’s not okay to go shoving down people’s throats.”

Freedom of speech versus defamation of character should probably be a discussion on their as well – and maybe that’s something the school could educate their kids about. After all, cyber bullying is one of the biggest, uncontrollable problems with modern day technology.

[source: news24]