U.K. Mobile Group Releases Adult Content Guidelines

LONDON — A body of United Kingdom-based mobile service providers have released a classification system for commercial content providers aimed at providing rating systems to stop minors from looking at inappropriate content.

The classification framework put out by the Independent Mobile Classification Body will allow mobile content providers guidelines so they can self-classify their own content as being suitable for a general audience or only those over the age of 18.

“In launching the classification framework, we have fulfilled one of the key commitments made by the mobile phone operators last year,” said Paul Whiteing, director of IMCB. “This is a positive step forward in encouraging responsible access to commercial content.”

The classification system lays out eight different aspects that must be considered when deciding whether material is open to a general audience. All content that encourages activities that are prohibited for minors, like drinking alcohol or gambling, would automatically be rated for a restricted audience.

Frequent use of profanity, depictions of real or simulated sex acts, nudity, graphic violence and detailed descriptions of criminal techniques also are prohibited.

IMCB did give more leeway to the categories of sex acts and nudity than the others, though, noting that if the material was presented in a way that seeks to inform and educate on matters of sexuality, safe sex or health, it will be viewed in a kinder light.

Even though IMCB’s new system only applies to content providers who distribute to U.K. audiences and is limited to still images, video and audiovisual material and mobile games, the implications for providers found in violation of the framework could be great.

Because IMCB was created by the six largest U.K. mobile phone operators, any content provider that does not follow the new classification scheme could be found in breach of contract with its particular operator.

Content not covered under framework includes phone sex lines, gambling services, content produced by subscribers, such as weblogs, and any Internet content that the mobile operator only provides connectivity to.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Adult Networking Platform SpicyGigs.com Launches

SpicyGigs, a new adult industry networking platform, has officially launched.

Pineapple Support to Host 'Cream Pie Challenge' Fundraiser

Pineapple Support is hosting its Cream Pie Challenge through August to raise funds for mental health services for industry performers.

Kyrgyzstan President Signs Measure Outlawing Internet Porn

President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday signed into law legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.

NC Legislature Overrides Veto of Extreme Anti-Adult Industry Bill

The North Carolina state legislature on Tuesday voted to override Gov. Josh Stein’s veto of a bill imposing regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most creators and content.

Report: VPN Downloads Soar in UK Following Age Verification Deadline

Virtual private network apps, which can be used to circumvent geo-specific age verification requirements, are topping Apple App Store downloads in the U.K. in the wake of new Online Safety Act rules, the BBC is reporting.

Strike 3 Holdings Sues Meta for Pirating Vixen Media Group Content to Train AI

Vixen Media Group owner Strike 3 Holdings filed suit in federal court this week, accusing Facebook parent company Meta of copyright infringement and alleging that Meta has extensively pirated VMG content to train its artificial intelligence models.

Pineapple Support, Streamate to Host 'Navigating Grief and Loss' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Streamate are hosting a free online support group to help performers cope with grief and loss.

Friday is Final AV Compliance Deadline in UK

Friday, July 25 marks U.K. media regulator Ofcom’s deadline for user-to-user services such as tube, cam and fan sites to implement its requisite “highly effective age assurance” measures for preventing minors from viewing adult content.

AEBN Publishes Popular Searches for May, June

AEBN has released the top search terms for the months of May and June from its straight and gay theaters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Ofcom Releases Transparency Reporting Guidelines

Ofcom, the U.K. media regulator, has made public its official guidance detailing how online service providers — including adult sites — will be required to publish annual transparency reports on their efforts to protect children from online harms.

Show More