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Calls for classification of mobile broadband content

Mobile broadband content could soon be the subject of a cinema-style age rating system, if proposals made by industry regulator Ofcom are taken on board.

A report by the regulator praised the mobile phone industry's current code of self-regulation, but also put forward the idea of a classification system for mobile broadband content, to take into account the differences in what media is suitable for different ages.

With research showing that more than half of nine-year-olds have access to mobile broadband on their phones, the idea that there will be tighter guidelines for what content they can access will be welcomed by parents.

The Ofcom report formed part of a review of the code of practice of the Mobile Broadband Group, the body which represents the UK's five 3G networks. Under the current Mobile Broadband Group code, adult content cannot be accessed by anyone under the age of 18. Mobile broadband users must register with their provider to confirm that they are old enough before viewing content deemed unsuitable for minors.

However, mobile broadband media does not go through the same stringent classification process as other media such as films or computer games. The only protection in place for minors using mobile broadband is the filtering system based on the self-regulation agreement reached by the main mobile broadband providers in 2004.

The new system would grade mobile broadband content in a way similar to that which the British Board of Film Classification uses, making clear which material is suitable for children, which is for teenagers or which is to be viewed by adults only. The would involve the introduction of age certificates for sites and media accessed via mobile broadband.

Ofcom said that the only way for the new mobile broadband classification scheme to work is if parents are aware of its existence, and if mobile phone retailers take responsibility for ascertaining the age of the person who is to use the handset at the point of sale.

17/08/2008
Author: CompareBroadbandUK staff writer

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