For consumers concerned over recent blocking of websites by mobile operators

The IMCB has been approached by consumers concerned that particular websites are blocked on mobiles using particular networks and that the networks in question have blocked this content under the instruction of the IMCB and our classification framework. The following statement hopes to clarify the situation for consumers and to offer them advice if they continue to have concerns about the blocking of particular websites on their mobile phone.

'The IMCB provides a Classification Framework for mobile operators. It is the responsibility of content providers to use the IMCB's Classification Framework to self-classify their own content as "18" where appropriate. Where the content is classified as "18" under the Classification Framework its access will be restricted by the mobile operators until customers have verified their age as 18 or over with their operator. The IMCB does not itself classify or block mobile content. The IMCB will investigate complaints from both consumers and content providers about the classification of commercial content but in the first instance complaints should be made to the relevant mobile operator.

Content that falls outside of the IMCB's remit and Classification Framework includes content accessed via the Internet or WAP (where the mobile operator is providing only connectivity). This means that if you were attempting to download a website to your mobile and this content was blocked, this is outside of the IMCB Classification Framework – put very simply, the IMCB Classification Framework applies only to commercial content that is provided specifically for mobiles.'

If connectivity to a website is blocked on a mobile phone, consumers should contact their mobile operator.

Classification Framework

It is the responsibility of content providers to use the IMCB's Classification Framework to self-classify their own content as “18” where appropriate. Where the content is classified as "18" under the Classification Framework its access will be restricted by the mobile operators until customers have verified their age as 18 or over with their operator.

Commercial content services that fall within IMCB's remit and the Classification Framework include:

• Still pictures
• Video and audiovisual material
• Mobile games, including java-based games

Content that falls outside of the IMCB's remit and Classification Framework includes content accessed via the Internet or WAP (where the mobile operator is providing only connectivity). The following service types are also outside of the IMCB's remit:

• Text, audio and voice-only services, including where delivered as a Premium Rate Service and regulated by PhonepayPlus
• Gambling services (because they are age restricted by UK legislation)
• Moderated and unmoderated chat rooms (commercial unmoderated chat rooms will sit behind Access Controls, however)
• Location-Based Services (which are the subject of a separate mobile operator Code of Practice)
• Content generated by subscribers, including web logs

Disputes about classification

The IMCB will investigate complaints from both consumers and content providers about the classification of commercial content, but in the first instance complaints should be made to the relevant mobile operator.

A pdf of the Classification Framework is available here

Section three of the Classification Framework explains the complaints and dispute procedures.