U.S. wireless companies should adopt controls and age verification methods to keep children from getting adults-only content through mobile telephones, the industry's trade group said Thursday.
CTIA, which represents major wireless companies such as Cingular Wireless and Nextel Communications Inc., said it is developing guidelines that would also call on carriers to classify content either as available to users of all ages or restricted to those at least 18 years old.
"The current timeline aims for adoption of the guidelines and announcement of the industry-wide agreement in the second quarter of 2005, with implementation of the guidelines by the end of 2005," CTIA President Steve Largent said in a letter.
CTIA's board of directors is expected to soon consider the guidelines. The plan also would include an education campaign.
He was responding to a request by the head of the wireless bureau at the Federal Communications Commission, John Muleta, who called on the industry to address the issue and educate parents about their abilities to control access.
About 21 million of 5- to 19-year-olds had wireless phones at the end of 2004, according to industry estimates. Unsolicited e-mail messages are barred on mobile phones, but no laws directly address indecency on them.
Many new wireless phones are able to surf the Internet, which has raised concerns about accessing adult content.
"The wireless industry has been, and will continue to be, at the forefront of meaningful efforts to inform consumers about the nature of the content available to them on mobile phones, and will put in place the tools to prevent unauthorized access to inappropriate content," Largent said.
After rising complaints from parents groups and lawmakers, the FCC has been cracking down on indecent content on broadcast radio and television. Congress is contemplating raising potential fines for broadcast decency infractions.
Last month, Muleta sent a letter to CTIA seeking safeguards on wireless phones as well.
"We're really glad they're paying attention to it," said FCC spokeswoman Lauren Patrich.
