“With adult content available from a myriad of sources, now more than ever, it is important for carriers, content providers and parents to know what is being done by industry to prevent access to adult content by minors,” wrote John Muleta, head of the FCC’s wireless bureau.
“Through responsible action on the part of wireless carriers and content providers, this important social goal can be achieved without government intervention and without interference to the provision of content to adults,” Muleta said.
Muleta went on to suggest that the wireless and adult industries should take it upon themselves to mount aggressive educational campaigns to help parents shield children from accidental exposure to inappropriate content.
According to Juniper, about 21 million of Americans between five and 19 years old — roughly a third of all children in that age group — have cell phones.
A spokesman for the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association said his organization has already started working on the issue.
“The goal is to have a rating system in place and also provide additional tools in the form of filtering systems,” said Joe Farren, director of public affairs for the CTIA.
Currently, there are no laws addressing the transmission of indecent material on wireless phones.
