Operation phone filter

A more versatile controls system is needed as mobiles move beyond mere phone calls and texts and more into multi-media content

PARENTS MAY soon have a system that would give their 10-year-old son access to a range of age-appropriate content on a mobile phone, but would block him from viewing videos, streaming TV or other content available on his 15-year-old sister's mobile.

An age ratings system that could eventually move toward the type of classifications used in cinemas is under consideration by mobile operators here.

Mobile operators in Ireland already use a voluntary code of practice from industry body the Irish Cellular Industry Association (ICIA) to offer parents different ways of filtering content for children. The ICIA code was agreed to by all four Irish operators in 2006.

But operators are now "quite advanced" in setting up a content classifications board similar to the UK's Independent Mobile Classification Body (IMCB), according to Majella Fitzpatrick, head of corporate communications for O2 Ireland.

The IMCB has an "age-appropriate" classification system for determining whether mobile content - be it games, video, or still images - should be restricted to those 18 and over.

"We will set up our own IMCB-type organisation over here," says Fitzpatrick. "Discussions are quite advanced. I'd be sure that will happen in the not too distant future."

Such a system would contrast with the existing mixed bag of filters, controls and phone contracts which give parents some ability to manage what kids do with their phones.

"We all agreed to offer controls, but different operators offer different controls," she says. All operators offer basic guidance on their websites based on the ICIA code, for example, and some offer additional services.

While some operators offer some proprietary content to minors that they can access within the operator's own "walled garden" of limited web access, it is open internet access that poses the most potential risk for inappropriate content.

For some operators, internet access is only available on post-pay mobiles - handsets that come with a monthly bill for usage. The fact that under-18s cannot get a post-pay mobile means children cannot get on to the open internet with a 3 handset, says Rachel Channing, head of communications, 3 Ireland.

"We sell our handsets on the basis that if you want internet access, you have to be over 18," she says. "You have to go into the store, and be age verified."

On top of this, 3 also uses a "blue filter" on all internet content, meaning that pornographic or what are euphemistically termed "lifestyle" websites are automatically blocked for anyone using a 3 handset - adults included.

The company sees that approach as "the right balance between protecting minors" and offering a range of services and content, says Channing.

Children can access the internet on other operator handsets. However, parents can ask operators to place an under-18 block on inappropriate websites, and restrict what children can do within operator-supplied web content, which can be accessed directly through the operator's web portal.

For instance, children cannot access online gambling services within O2's third-party content.

O2 doesn't use a blue filter on general internet access, says Fitzpatrick, but does offer parental controls.

"You can either keep an eye on what your child is accessing or, if you want to go a step further, you can bar access altogether."

But operators generally agree that a more versatile system is needed as phones move beyond being devices primarily for calls and text messages and multi-media content becomes more widespread for handsets.

Children and teenagers, already adept at using the internet, are viewed as a strong potential market for service and content downloads. But classifying all content as suitable for either under or over-18s is seen as a too-blunt instrument.

In the UK, telecommunications regulator Ofcom recently recommends that operators reconsider the current system of classification and decide whether a cinema-style system might be more appropriate.

Ofcom advised the Mobile Broadband Group - the industry body for the UK's five mobile phone operators - that it might want to move towards a classification system "that could allow younger children to be prevented from accessing certain material that parents might consider more suitable for older teenagers".

The Mobile Broadband Group itself noted that it should be recognised that parents may want a wider range of age classifications on mobile-accessed content.

The new Irish body could consider bringing in such a system, or may opt for an under-18/over-18 division.

Eventually, a film classification system "might be an interesting model," says 3's Channing.

"Mobile internet access here has been a fledgling service. It's growing and it's one of those areas changing so quickly. It is definitely worth a debate."

Fitzpatrick says that such a system might be applied across content generally, not distinguishing between proprietary, third-party or general internet content, given the convergence currently happening with devices generally.

"I think there's definitely potentially something there. And it's in our interest to ensure that we approach this in a responsible way," she says.