The Australian Broadcasting Authority has issued new internet and mobile content guidelines which will ban the distribution of adult videos to mobile phones in Australia. The three codes - one for Internet content hosts and two for Internet service providers - were developed by the Internet Industry Association. They replace the previous codes, registered by the ABA on 9 May 2002.
The IIA has developed the codes in response to recommendations contained in the Government's May 2004 report on the operation of the co-regulatory scheme for Internet content, established under Schedule 5 to the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.
Content Code 2 contains rules for content delivered to mobile telephones with audio-visual capabilities. This code prohibits mobile content that is or would be classified RC or X, and requires access to content classified R or MA to be restricted to users who "opt in" to such services and verify that they are 18 years of age or older. The content codes use the National Classification Code categories that apply to films, DVDs and computer games. This will help ensure consistent treatment of content across fixed and mobile entertainment platforms.
"The ABA welcomes the initiative and co-operation demonstrated by mobile carriers in developing community safeguards that will help to encourage development and take-up of new content services on the mobile platform," said Ms Maddock. "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."
The codes will complement the provisions to be set out in a service provider determination on the supply of premium rate services on mobile telephones, currently being developed by the Australian Communications Authority. The service provider determination and Internet industry codes will together provide interim safeguards for all mobile content, and mobile network operators have given the ABA written undertakings that they will comply with all requirements of the codes and determination.
The ABA understands the Government is preparing legislative reforms to establish a permanent regulatory framework for content delivered to mobile and other convergent devices.
The codes will operate for 12 months, at which time they will be reviewed to take account of developments in filtering technologies and any community concerns which arise during this period."
Posted to the site on 30th May 2005
Posted to: www.cellular-news.com/story/12986.php