Mobile Internet blocking
UK mobile phone operators began filtering Internet content in 2004[9] when Ofcom published a "UK code of practice for the self-regulation of new forms of content on mobiles".[110] This provided a means of classifying mobile Internet content to enable consistency in filtering. All major UK operators now voluntarily filter content by default. Nevertheless, in October 2014 it was reported that Ministers were drafting legislation to compel mobile operators to block access to adult sites unless users prove they are aged 18 or over.[111]
When users try to access blocked content they are redirected to a warning page. This tells them that they are not able to access an 'over 18 status' Internet site and a filtering mechanism has restricted their access. Categories that are listed as blocked include: adult / sexually explicit, chat, criminal skills, drugs, alcohol and tobacco, gambling, hacking, hate, personal and dating, violence, and weapons.[112] Users who are adults may have the block lifted on request.[112]
Guidelines published by the Independent Mobile Classification Body were used by mobile operators to classify sites until the British Board of Film Classification took over responsibility in 2013.[113] Classification determines whether content is suitable for customers under 18 years old.[114] The default assumption is that a user is under 18.
The following content types must be blocked from under 18's:[114]
Suicide, Self-harm, Pro-Anorexia and eating disorders
Discriminatory language
Encouragement of Drug Use
Repeated / aggressive use of 'cunt'
Pornography Restrictions
Violence and Gore restrictions
