New code of practice launched for mobiles

Minister for Communications Noel Dempsey today launched the Irish Cellular Industry Association (ICIA) code of practice for the regulation of new forms of content and services on mobile phones.

The code of practice, to which all of the existing mobile operators, including Meteor, O2, Vodafone and 3 Ireland, have committed, is designed to ensure the protection of children and to give parents and carers reassurances and confidence in the safety of mobile technology.

The code of practice establishes requirements that each mobile operator will adhere to on issues such as access controls for age-restricted services. This will involve the creation of an Independent Mobile Classification Body of Ireland (IMCBI), which will publish a framework for classifying commercial content unsuitable for customers under the age of 18 years.

The Code of Practice can be accessed on www.icia.ie.