I. Read the text

A hi-tech company in the U.K. has launched a text messaging service that automatically destroys e-mails 40 seconds after people open them. This should be popular with anyone who wants secrets to stay secret. Subscribers have to download an application called StealthText to their mobile phone to use the service. The software’s developer Staellium UK hopes its product will appeal to both business people who deal with sensitive information and love cheats. A representative said the company wants to give e-mail senders more control over the messages they send instead of trusting recipients to delete them.

The technology looks like something from a 007 movie. Staellium CEO Carole Barnum said the new service has “massive benefits for people from all aspects of life”. She also said: “Ultimately, no one will have to worry about their messages or pictures ending up in the wrong hands ever again.” Staellium’s website suggests soccer superstar David Beckham might need SteathText. His friend Rebecca Loos suspiciously failed to delete his embarrassing mails last year. StealthText messages are not totally erased, but stay on a special computer. However, the recipient has no further access to them after 40 seconds.