A ban on domestic adult mobile content and procedures for complaining about the overseas variety are among new codes of practice tightening content rules for the Internet and cell phones, the Australian Broadcasting Authority announced May 27.
The ABA also said the codes would be reviewed after 12 months for filtering successes and failures at which point the ABA would review them in light of filtering successes or failures. Community complaints will be analyzed at the same time.
Among the changes in Codes 1 and 2 is a ban on "mobile content that is or would be classified RC or X.” In addition, “access to content classified R or MA [must] be restricted to users who opt in to such services and verify that they are 18 years of age or older," the ABA said.
Codes 1 and 2 also require Internet service providers to display relevant links on their home pages and offer regular information and link updates during each year.
Code 3 includes recommended ways to handle overseas-hosted or -based Internet content that draws complaints and would be banned if it was domestic. The new rule calls for tipping off Net filter makers to the content, and requires ISPs to make filters available to customers when they open their accounts.
"It is important that families have easy access to accurate and reliable information about managing the risks associated with the Internet, and ISPs have important roles to play in educating their customers," said acting ABA chair Lyn Maddock.
The content codes lean on the National Classification Code categories for films, DVDs, and computer games, the ABA said, hoping to guarantee "consistent treatment of content" over fixed and portable devices alike.
Maddock credited Australian mobile service carriers with helping develop safeguards, saying that would encourage new development and adoption of new content services.
"The codes aim to ensure that regulation of mobile content is consistent with measures for traditional ‘fixed’ platforms, but provide flexibility for mobile network operators to develop measures and procedures that are compatible with their individual business models," her statement continued.
Earlier this month, British mobile telephony experts urged the industry to promote more parental awareness and adopt more stringent porn blocking for forthcoming British mobile phones. Mobile Industry Crime Action Forum chair Jack Wraith said it compared to parents having to advise their children to avoid "a red light district around the corner."
Other mobile telephony companies like Virgin Mobile already have adopted opt-in policies to ensure only those 18 and older can access adult content.
