Ringing in New Censors
It is interesting to note that hardcore pornography is
clearly acceptable for commercial mobile phone content. Hopefully another
nail in the ludicrous prohibition on mail order DVDs and video.
From
IMCB
Remit
IMCB’s remit is to determine a Classification Framework for Commercial
Content against which
Content Providers can self-classify their own content (whether provided
directly or indirectly) as
18 where appropriate. Such content will be placed behind Access Controls so
that, when
combined with age verification arrangements, it is only available to those
identified as 18 or
over.
Commercial Content services which fall within IMCB’s remit and the
Classification Framework
include:
- Still pictures
- Video and audiovisual material
- Mobile games, including java-based games
Services which fall outside IMCB’s remit and the Classification Framework
are:
- Text, audio and voice-only services, including where delivered as a
Premium Rate
Service and regulated by ICSTIS
- Gambling services (because they are age restricted by UK
legislation)
- Moderated and unmoderated chat rooms (commercial unmoderated chat
rooms will only
be accessible by those 18 and over)
- Location-Based Services (which are the subject of a separate Mobile
Operator code of
practice available at
www.imcb.org.uk)
- Content generated by subscribers, including web logs
- Content accessed via the internet or WAP where the Mobile Operator
is providing
connectivity only
Specific Classification Framework
Content Providers have responsibility to ensure that the Commercial
Content they are directly or
indirectly providing is not unlawful or illegal.
Where Commercial Content contains any content described in any of the
sub-sections below it
must be rated as 18 for the purposes of this Classification Framework. As a
general guide it
should be noted that if the content in question would be likely to be rated
as 18 by an Agreed
Body if it was relevant to that body, then it should be rated as 18 under
this Classification
Framework.
In addition, the context and style in which the content is being
presented, whether
as a still picture or a video clip, should always be taken into account.
Humorous content, such
as violence or combat techniques in a children’s cartoon, may therefore be
acceptable.
The following list content that is to be rated 18
Themes:
- No theme is specifically prohibited though these may be subject to
other legal requirements. Content must not actively promote or encourage
activities that are legally restricted for those under 18 such as
drinking alcohol or gambling.
Language:
- Frequent and repetitive use of the strongest foul language.
Sex:
- Actual or realistic depictions of sexual activity, for example, Real
or simulated sexual intercourse.
Depiction of sexual activity involving devices such as sex toys.
- Sexual activity with visible pubic areas and/or genitals or
including threats of sexual
violence such as rape.
- Note, however, that material which genuinely seeks to inform and
educate such as in matters of
sexuality, safe sex and health and where explicit images are the minimum
necessary to illustrate
and educate in a responsible manner may be permissible.
Nudity
- Nudity where depicting pubic area and/or genitals (unless it is
material which genuinely seeks to
inform and educate such as in matters of sexuality, safe sex and health
and where explicit
images are kept to the minimum necessary to illustrate and educate in a
responsible manner).
Violence
- Graphic violence which in particular dwells on the infliction of
pain, injuries or scenes of sexual
violence. In respect of mobile games in particular: Gross violence
towards realistic humans or animals such as scenes of dismemberment,
torture, massive blood and gore, sadism and other types of excessive
violence. Graphic, detailed and sustained violence towards realistic
humans and animals or violence towards vulnerable or defenceless humans.
Drugs
- Depictions which promote or encourage illegal drug taking or which
provide instructive details as to illegal drug taking.
Horror
- Any depiction of sustained or detailed inflictions of pain or injury
including anything which
involves sadism, cruelty or induces an unacceptable sense of fear or
anxiety.
Imitable techniques
- Dangerous combat techniques such as ear-claps, head-butts and blows
to the neck or any
emphasis on the use of easily accessible lethal weapons, for example
knives.
- Detailed descriptions of techniques that could be used in a criminal
offence.
