Internet Watch Foundation

The IWF's original brief in 1996 included developing a labelling and rating system.

 

This work is now exclusively the role of the Internet Content Rating Association (ICRA) part of the Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI).

 

'Labelling' means the content on a site has been described in accordance with the ICRA criteria.

This criteria is based on the descriptive vocabulary.

 

Based on this assessment an ICRA label is then added to that site. 

 

Users, especially parents of young children, can then use filtering software to allow or disallow access to web sites based on the information declared in the label.

 

With the growth of online use by mobile devices, the UK Mobile Operators have recognised that users need to have a mechanism for rating the content available through their services.

 

Following the launch of their Code of Practice in 2004, an organisation called the "Independent Mobile Classification Body" (IMCB) has been formed to regulate the classification of commercial content available on mobile services. This does not include content directly available through the  world wide web, but does include all commercial content available through the operators own branded services, either from their own developers or delivered through 3rd party organisations. For full details on the role and activities of the IMCB, please visit their web-site.

 

If you are concerned that the content you are viewing via your mobile device is inappropriate, please see our FAQ on Mobile Internet, visit the IMCB site if you wish to complain about a sites rating, or make a report to us using our reporting service.