Today, mobile networks not only offer traditional voice and messaging services, but also provide access to virtually all forms of digital content via the internet. In this respect, mobile operators offer the same service as any other internet service provider (SIP). This means mobile networks are inevitably used, by some, to access illegal content, ranging from pirated material that infringes intellectual property rights (IPR) to racist content or images of child sexual abuse (child pornography).
Laws regarding illegal content vary considerably. Some content, such as images of child sexual abuse, are considered illegal around the world, while other content, such as dialogue that calls for political reform, is illegal in some countries while protected by 'freedom of speech' rights in others.