p2pnet - rss feed: UK mobile ops’ porn ban
British mobile operators Orange, O2, T-Mobile, Vodafone, Virgin and 3 have “joined forces to protect children from adult content accessible on mobile phones”.
Apparently inspired by the fact that new 2.5G and 3G mobiles have colour screens, video and mobile surfing, they’ve signed a Code of Practice which imposes an ‘18′ classification on adult content.
It’s a much-needed ‘excellent example of responsible self-regulation,’ E-commerce Minister Stephen Timms is quoted as saying in a BBC report here.
The code covers images, video, gambling, games, chatrooms and net access but not premium rate voice and SMS services, says the Beeb, continuing:
“They will still be regulated by the ICSTIS (Independent Committee for the Supervision of Standards of Telephone Information Services) Code of Practice.
The main points of the code, says the report, are:
*Commercial content unsuitable for under 18s classified 18, ie - content with an 18 certificate will only be available when the network operators verify the age of the user.
*18 content not available until networks satisfied customer is at least 18
*Classification framework in line with other media
*Chatrooms available for under-18s to be moderated
*Parents/carers able to use filters to operator’s net services to restrict content
*Operators to work with law enforcement agencies to report content that may break criminal law
*Operators to combat bulk and nuisance SMS
*Operators to give advise on nature and use of mobile devices and services
*Code to be available on operators’ websites
*Source: T-Mobile
An independent body will decide on standards for the classification system and will, “work in a similar way to other parts of the media industry”.
Children’s charities welcomed the step, but said they hoped those operating similar services through fixed-line net would do the same, adds the story.
