'Explicit' extended to downloads

Parents will be warned about explicit content in music downloads from today after the music industry rolled out its parental advisory scheme online.

The explicit warning will be attached to music and video files on sites including Amazon, iTunes, HMV and Napster.

The scheme, run by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), has applied to physical music and video content since 1995 covering tracks which could be seen as offensive or unsuitable for children, including strong language, sex or violence.

Singer and mother-of-two Jamelia, who is backing the campaign, said: “As a parent, naturally I worry about whether my kids are viewing and listening to appropriate content when they’re online, but without some form of guidance it can be almost impossible to stay on top of what’s suitable and what’s not. I think parents would agree that having the same logo for online music services that we’re used to seeing in the high street gives parents the ability to quickly and easily judge whether a song or music video is right for their child.”

BPI chief executive Geoff Taylor said the logo had been “a useful tool” when used on CDs and DVDs.

He said: “We believe that parents need the same guidance when their children are downloading or streaming songs or videos online, so we have extended the logo to digital music services. Our new website, www.parental-advisory.co.uk gives parents the details they need.”