ICT: We didn't block SimSimi

Tech > Computer

Published: 4/02/2012 at 06:57 PM
Online news: Computer

The Information and Communication Technology Ministry denied on Saturday that it had blocked the controversial Thai-language version of the SimSimi smartphone application.

ICT Minister Anudith Nakornthap insisted his agency did not block the artificial intelligence conversation program after users complained that its Thai-language version had become unavailable last night.

He said the ministry had only asked for cooperation from the SimSimi chat bot developer, a South Korean company, to filter out impolite and rude Thai words from chats.

Grp Capt Anudith said the ministry had no idea why SimSimi’s Thai version failed to work and urged users to inquire directly with the program developer.

SimSimi is a smartphone application created by a South Korean developer in 2002, originally for the purpose of language learning.

The application's database compiles word lists and comments taught by users, but some users "teach" SimSimi to say rude things, which is not the application's purpose. Concern about the potential impact of repeated use of the program by children prompted the ICT Ministry to ask for help from the developer.

Culture Minister Sukumol Khunpluem said on Friday that the program was causing social deterioration and creating gaps between members of families as children became preoccupied with SimSimi chats.

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englishbob
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Discussion 4 : 04/02/2012 at 11:31 PM4
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I notice plenty of SimSimi conversations posted on Facebook that are critical of the government and especially Yingluck.
It seems more likely that the government are stifling dissent and criticism than profanity.
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jwatch
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Discussion 3 : 04/02/2012 at 08:49 PM3
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Culture Minister Sukumol Khunpluem said on Friday that the program was causing social deterioration and creating gaps between members of families as children became preoccupied with SimSimi chats.

Perhaps the social ministry should look to the leaders of our country for our social deterioration
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siamitude
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Discussion 2 : 04/02/2012 at 08:46 PM2
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If i want to swear on my smartphone, it's my business and nobody else. Information and Communication Technology Ministry should stay away from our private sphere.
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sirron

Discussion 1 : 04/02/2012 at 08:05 PM1
"Minister Sukumol Khunpluem said on Friday that the program was causing social deterioration and creating gaps between members of families as children became preoccupied with SimSimi chats."
Must be a city thing because I have not seen any children in our small farming village with smart phones.
from iPhone application.
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ICT: We didn't block SimSimi | Bangkok Post: tech