The new body, which will be named the Independent Mobile Classification Body (IMCB), is a subsidiary of premium rate regulator ICSTIS, and has been formed for this purpose. It will prepare a framework against which providers of commercial content to mobile subscribers will be able to self-classify new forms of content such as still images and video clips.
Commercial content that is classified as 18, in accordance with this framework, will not be made available to customers under the age of 18. The independent body will also be able to investigate complaints about content providers not classifying content in line with the framework.
This appointment follows the operators signing up to an industry Code of Practice for new mobile content in January 2004.
The work will be carried out and funded entirely separately from ICSTIS's role as the regulator of premium rate services.
The framework will be based on comparable standards in other media, such as film and computer games, and the first draft is scheduled for publication on 1st January 2005.