Section One - Classification Framework - General

Download Classification Framework document

• Introduction - General overview of IMCB
• Section One - Classification Framework - General
• Section Two - Specific Classification Framework requirements
• Section Three - Complaints and dispute procedures
• Section Four - Independent appeals arrangements for Content Providers and Mobile Operators
• Appendix - Definitions used in the Classification Framework document

1.1 Classification Framework Structure

The Classification Framework has been drawn up taking account of the need to be consistent, as far as is possible, with standards for other media produced by the Agreed Bodies such as the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) and Interactive Software Federation of Europe (ISFE)/ Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) for Mobile Games.

The Classification Framework has been designed to be flexible enough to accommodate the widest possible range of Commercial Content available in the market place, where this falls within the remit of IMCB. However, the Classification Framework cannot address itself to every specific piece of Commercial Content that might become available at any one time. The specific requirements and examples described in the numbered sub-sections of Section 2 are therefore not exhaustive but instead intended as an indication of the types of content that, under the Classification Framework, should be rated as 18. Content Providers should interpret these sub-sections in terms of the spirit of what is being sought. When self-classifying their content, Content Providers should also have regard to the context in which the particular material is included and use the Classification Framework as a guide to assist them.

1.2 Scope of the Classification Framework

The Classification Framework only applies to Commercial Content provided to UK customers of UK Mobile Operators. The Classification Framework applies regardless of whether the Content Provider is based within or outside the United Kingdom. It does not apply to locally provided services accessed whilst UK customers are "roaming" overseas; nor does it apply to overseas customers "roaming" in the UK.

1.3 Relationship to other bodies

If the provision of Commercial Content is by means of a Premium Rate Service it must also comply with the code of practice issued and enforced by ICSTIS.

If the Commercial Content is to be distributed over other platforms, such as video or through a games console, and requires classification by an Agreed Body, additional classification must also be obtained.

1.4 Legality

Content Providers have responsibility to ensure that the Commercial Content they are directly or indirectly providing is not unlawful or illegal.

1.5 Further information

As is made clear in the Classification - Overview, the arrangements put in place will mean that Commercial Content not classified as 18 is unrestricted for the purposes of this Framework. Some parents and carers may well consider that not all material which is unrestricted for the purposes of this Framework is suitable for everyone, and in particular younger children. However, nothing in the Code of Practice for New Content Services prevents Mobile Operators, and by extension Content Providers, from providing further information or advice about the age range for which the particular Commercial Content was designed.

We recognise that parents have the main responsibility for making sure that their children are properly educated about mobile phone technology. This responsibility is supported by the Mobile Operators through their commitment to provide advice to customers on the nature and use of new mobile devices and services. To this end, they support activities designed to improve the knowledge of consumers, including parents and carers, such as the "Be Aware" leaflet produced jointly by the Mobile Operators as a teacher's resource pack for school children.