Mobile operators to issue internet code for kids

The UK’s mobile phone operators will issue a code of practice next month aimed at preventing children from accessing illegal and pornographic internet content.

Concerns had been raised by MPs that new functionality and services on mobile phones and the more widespread availability of high-speed 3G services will allow children to access adult sites and chat rooms.

The government acknowledged the problem last week and said it has been in discussion with operators through its task force on child protection on the internet and it is “confident that the mobile phone companies have taken notice of these issues”.

As a result, and possibly an attempt to stave off the threat of regulation, the mobile phone companies are due to issue a self-regulatory code of conduct for consultation.

A spokeswoman for Vodafone told silicon.com the code will offer guidance and advice to parents and children.

One proposal is for methods of parental control for mobile phones similar to those available on PCs to restrict the type of content their children can access. Operators will also share information in an effort to crack down on illegal content.

“The idea is to provide a self-regulatory structure for new forms of content and services on mobiles and basically it is a code of practice which has been prepared by UK mobile operators,” she said.