Rating of Content to Mobile Phones: The Wireless Industry Initiative
April 2006
Since early 2004, CTIA-The Wireless Association®, in partnership with the nation’s leading carriers, has spearheaded an industry-wide effort to understand the issues associated with content classification and restriction. With the wide variety of content including video, games, music and ring tones available to wireless subscribers, the industry recognized its responsibility as content distributors to proactively develop the tools and controls consumers need to make informed choices when accessing carrier content. The industry’s work culminated in the development of the “Wireless Content Guidelines” which were unveiled in November 2005.
A significant component of the Guidelines is the voluntary content classification standards for Carrier Content – those materials that reside within a carrier’s managed content portal. Carrier Content is divided into two classifications: Generally Accessible Carrier Content and Restricted Carrier Content. Generally, Accessible Carrier Content is available to consumers of all ages. Restricted Carrier Content is accessible only to consumers age 18 years and older or to a consumer less than 18 years of age when specifically authorized by a parent or guardian.
The industry has pledged not to offer any “Restricted Carrier Content” until it has provided controls to allow parents to restrict access to this type of content, based on the content classification standard. Implementation of access controls, such as age-verification mechanisms, is at the sole discretion of the individual carriers. Additionally, the industry will embark upon an education campaign to inform and educate the industry and parents alike on the capabilities that will be used to prevent unauthorized access to age-restricted carrier-controlled content. More >
Participating wireless carriers are also working to define content rating standards to more fully inform consumers about the characteristics of Carrier Content and its suitability for particular audiences. The content rating standards will leverage existing rating systems familiar to consumers.
As with Carrier Content, the industry is developing “Internet Content Access Control” technologies that will enable wireless account holders to filter and block access to specific websites they consider inappropriate. Although carriers have no control over content generally available on the Internet, this is an important step intended to give consumers, particularly parents, the ability to limit what Internet content can be accessed through their family’s wireless devices. Carriers are aggressively researching technological solutions and will implement them on a carrier-by-carrier basis.
The wireless industry has been, and will continue to be, at the forefront of meaningful efforts to inform consumers of the nature of the content available to them on mobile phones, and will put in place the tools to prevent unauthorized access to inappropriate content.
CTIA Semi-Annual Wireless Industry Survey
The Survey is available for purchase in our Research eStore at member and non-member prices.
Annual subscriptions are also available for purchase.
Click here to purchase now.