More and more handsets come with colour screens, video and picture messaging or 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 which is only suitable for customers who are over 18 years of age.
Parents are naturally concerned, and yesterday mobile operators announced that they had developed a Code of Practice that they say will safeguard children from unsuitable content. Orange, O2, T-Mobile, Virgin Mobile, Vodafone and 3, have all signed up to the Code.
In summary the Code states:
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 (i.e. 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; and
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, spokesman for the operators, said: "The industry is aware of parental concerns and, through this code, addresses those concerns in a responsible and timely manner."
Communications Minister Stephen Timms MP added:
"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 visual content, on-line gambling, mobile gaming, chat rooms and internet access. It does not cover P2P communications, traditional premium rate voice or SMS (texting) services, which will continue to be regulated under the ICSTIS Code of Practice.
In fact, ICSTIS (the Independent Committee for the Supervision of Standards of Telephone Information Services) issued a new set of SMS guidelines in July last year, including a universal "stop" command for all services and an age verification system to prevent children accessing inappropriate services.
The Code will be made available at all operators' sites.