Mobile broadband providers sign code of practice to protect the innocent

The UKs mobile broadband operators have signed a voluntary code of practice which includes some measures to protect younger eyes from innapropriate content.

Whilst the internet offers a wealth of knowledge, education and entertainment possibilities, some parents worry about kids stumbling across content not meant for their eyes. No-one wants to supervise children and young people all the time they're online, or to remove broadband access from them entirely - but just as we have some say in what TV, films and even computer games are suitable for younger audiences, many people feel that there should be a content monitoring option with the internet as well.

Generally broadband ISPs have resisted attempts to make them responsible for content being served up on their networks, pointing out quite rightly that they are not responsible for the content and it is not their role to act as 'net nannies'. However, the mobile broadband operators in the UK have signed a voluntary code of practice put forward by the communications regulator Ofcom which will make provisions to protect youngsters from some of the less appropriate material on the web.

The measures will include implementation of more effective access controls and filtering on behalf of the operators. An official from the Mobile Broadband Group - an industry body composed of the UKs main suppliers - commented “This has been a thorough review, taking inputs from a wide range of sources. We are pleased that the Code is standing the test of time and continuing to provide protection for younger customers. In a dynamic market, though, it is necessary to continue to be vigilant and the mobile operators remain fully committed to effective self regulation in this area.”