TELECOM Digest OnLine - Sorted: U.S. Wireless Carriers Take Aim at Adult Content

U.S. Wireless Carriers Take Aim at Adult Content

Reuters News Wire (reuters@telecom-digest.org)
Tue, 8 Nov 2005 18:47:49 -0600

With Internet and video more readily available on wireless phones, and
much of the Internet being used for pornographic stuff, major
U.S. carriers on Tuesday unveiled guidelines aimed at limiting
children's access to adult content and services.

Those under the age of 18 would need parental or a guardian's
permission to receive content that carriers offer that may be sexually
explicit, excessively violent, or involve gambling, according to
voluntary guidelines issued by the wireless industry's biggest trade
group, CTIA.

Carriers also plan to make filters and other tools available to
restrict Internet access on wireless devices.

"Parents must ultimately decide what materials are most suitable for
their children, and wireless carriers participating in this important
measure are committed to providing parents with the necessary tools to
do so," said Steve Largent, CTIA president and chief executive
officer.

The top three wireless carriers are among the participants: Cingular
Wireless, a joint venture of BellSouth Corp. and SBC Communications
Inc., Verizon Wireless, a joint venture of Verizon Communications and
Vodafone Group Plc, and Sprint Nextel Corp.

About 21 million 5- to 19-year-olds had wireless phones by the end of
2004, according to the technology research firm IDC. The Federal
Communications Commission in February urged the industry to act on the
issue of adult content.

Copyright 2005 Reuters Limited.

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