Mobile content code of practice
UK mobile operators announce joint code of practice
for new forms of content
As mobile technology advances, phones are being
developed with enhanced features, such as colour screens, video
and picture messaging and Internet browsers, allowing access to
an increasing variety of services. The vast majority of commercial
content is suitable for customers of all ages. However, some of
the new services may contain content of an adult nature, which
is only suitable for customers who are over 18 years of age.
Mobile operators recognise that this may cause some
concern to parents whose children have mobile phones. The UK mobile
operators have therefore worked together over several months to
develop the Code of Practice which is intended to protect children
and give parents and carers:
- confidence to understand new mobile devices
- the power to influence the type of content that their children
can access
- the knowledge to show their children how to use new services
responsibly
It also gives assurances to all customers that the mobile operators
will combat illegal, bulk and nuisance communications.
The main points of the Code are:
- All commercial content unsuitable for customers under 18 will
be classified "18". Such content will not be made
available to customers until the networks, through a process
of age verification, are satisfied that he or she is at least
18.
- The classification framework will be in line with comparable
standards in other media and will be created by a body that
is independent of the mobile operators
- Chat rooms made available to customers under 18 will be moderated
(ie monitored to guard against inappropriate use)
- Parents and carers will be able to apply filters to the mobile
operator's Internet access service so that the Internet content
thus accessible is restricted
- Mobile operators will work with law enforcement agencies to
deal with the reporting of content that may break the criminal
law
- Mobile operators will also combat bulk and nuisance communications
- Mobile operators will provide advice to customers on the nature
and use of new mobile devices and services and support other
relevant media literacy activities designed to improve the knowledge
of consumers.
Hamish MacLeod, who co-ordinated the process on behalf of the
operators, said: "Over the past 12 months, the mobile phone
industry has been working together to agree on a framework that
will govern how content is distributed, developed and accessed
by the industry and customers alike. The industry is aware of
parental concerns and, through this code, addresses those concerns
in a responsible and timely manner."
MP Stephen Timms, Communications Minister, said: "This Code
of Practice is an excellent example of the responsible self regulation
we are keen to encourage among the mobile operators to address
issues relating to new types of content now available on mobile
handsets. We believe this approach best meets the needs and expectations
of consumers.
The Code covers content such as visual, online gambling, mobile
gaming, chat rooms and Internet access. It does not cover traditional
premium rate voice and SMS (texting) services, which will continue
to be regulated under the ICSTIS Code of Practice and nor does
it cover peer to peer communications.
A copy of the code is available from the website
each of the operator. |
