From September, the Mobile Broadband Group will start using the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) to help UK mobile networks restrict access to commercial content that is unsuitable for customers under the age of 18.
This comes after 8 years of working with the Independent Mobile Classification Board, which currently provides the framework for mobile commercial content. Premium rate voice services and premium rate SMS are covered separately by a code of practice from regulator PhonepayPlus, which is also the IMCB’s parent organisation.
Network operators use the classifications to restrict customers younger than 18 from seeing unsuitable audio/video material or mobile games distributed by commercial organisations.
David Cooke, Director of the BBFC, said “We are pleased to be able to use our experience and expertise, including the insight we have into public opinion about what kind of content is suitable for under 18s to help Mobile Operators to restrict access to content accessed via mobile networks by those under 18. Parents are concerned about the content children access via mobile devices and the BBFC Framework takes into account the same issues the BBFC considers when age rating a film or DVD, such as strong language, violence, drug use, discrimination, sex and nudity.”
The Mobile Broadband Group works with consumers, government and regulators to develop policies on regulation and to manage effective self-regulation of the UK mobile industry. It’s administered by EE, O2, Three and Vodafone.