Ratings for UK mobiles

It's not a rating system yet. It's actually a step in that direction for UK cell phones. "The long-awaited classification framework for adult content on mobile phones was launched [recently] by the Independent Mobile Classification Body," The Register reports. Basically, it appears to be a set of definitions or labels for content that content providers themselves have to attach to their material. "If they do not, they risk breaching the terms of the contract with their mobile operator client, who is then responsible for enforcing the rules." So, there are a lot of "ifs." But it may be an important building block for mobile operators in the US and other countries to adopt. Content labels or classifications include profanity, sex, nudity, violence, drugs, horror, imitable techniques, and universally accessible. To be in that last category, "content must not actively promote or encourage activities like drinking alcohol or gambling," according to The Register. Examples it offers of "imitable techniques," are "headbutting or use of weapons, or 'detailed descriptions of techniques that could be used in a criminal offence.' In layman's terms, that means no descriptions of how to steal a car while high on drugs and listening to illegally downloaded music." According to Juniper Research, adult content on mobiles and other portable devices is projected to reach $1 billion in worldwide sales this year. (Thanks to QuickLinks for pointing this news out.)