Internet Watch Foundation

The use of mobile devices to access the internet or internet like services is increasing. It is predicted that by 2010, there will be over 60 million mobile devices in the UK, the majority of which will provide either direct access to the world wide web or to services that provide a web like environment.

 

Currently, all the mobile operators are providing commerical services to their customers, whether they are 2.5G or 3G users. Some mobile operators are providing direct access to the internet.

 

In February 2005, the UK mobile operators, which include; 3; O2; Orange; T- Mobile; Virgin Mobile and Vodafone announced the launch of the Independent Mobile Classification Body (IMCB). The purpose of this body is to provide an independent classification framework for commercial mobile content. It also deals with complaints about mis-classification but only after the mobile operator has had the opportunity to deal with such a compliant first. Rulings by the IMCB will be enforced by the mobile operators through their contracts with content providers.

 

It is important to note that the IMCB is only concerned with commercial content offered by the UK operators, it is not responsible for internet content, available through the a handsets connectivity to the world wide web.

 

At the moment, filtering for mobiles is problematic as most handsets do not have the memory capacity to store the necessary software to provide comprehensive filtering services. The Operators do provide a level of controls which can be selectively turned on by request. The operators are currently examining ways to enhance these services.

 

If you find content on your mobile device that you consider may be illegal, then you can report it to the IWF as you would with content you might inadvertently find on fixed internet devices. If you wish to use your mobile device to report the site you can do so via our WAP site http://wap.iwf.org.uk or you can report it via our reporting page.

 

Answer: Initially, you should refer to the content of the messages you have received from the Premium Rate Services. These may contain information on how to cancel any further messages being received on your handset. If this information is not available then you should reply to the message and text "STOP".  This is an industry agreed command and should work on all subscription based premium messaging services. If this command does not work, then please contact the Customer Services of your mobile operator.