Mobile giants go for 'no kids allowed' self-regulation

The mobile industry has launched a new framework in order to keep 'adult' and age-specific content out of the hands of children.

The Independent Mobile Classification Body (ICMB) - the operator-led body which oversees mobile content - launched the framework against which operators will be expected to measure the age suitability of the content they provide.

The operators will self-classify which content can only be accessed by over-18s, including chat, gambling and pornography, with each operator responsible for checking that those who claim to be adults actually are old enough to access the material.

Some operators have already introduced such measures - Vodafone, for example, launched filtering mechanisms for browsing on 3G phones last year.

Content makers will also be obliged to rate their products according to the framework or risk the ire of operators.

Although children will not be able to access saucy downloads, the framework doesn't put any restrictions on normal internet browsing, although the mobile providers can offer filters at their discretion.

IMCB director Paul Whiteing, however, highlighted that the filters and age restriction mechanisms aren't a substitute for parental vigilance.

The adult content industry is shaping up to be an important revenue generator for the mobile industry. Analyst house Juniper Research predicts that it will be worth $1bn this year alone.