Mobile Content

About the Code

In November 2005 the TCF finalised a non-regulated Mobile Content Code.

This Code sets out principles under which Mobile Content services will be provided in order to ensure that Mobile Content services are provided in a socially responsible manner.  This includes the protection of minors from inappropriate content.  It is intended that the Code will provide end users with confidence in the provision of content services by operators. Operators will support the Code by providing customers with information and education on the safe and appropriate use of Mobile Content services. 

Code Coverage

The Code covers issues relating to: commercial services; internet content; illegal content; unsolicited bulk communications; and malicious communications.  It provides assurance that operators will take action against illegal content, unsolicited bulk communications and malicious communications.  The Code does not cover Peer-to-Peer communications.

Code Review

In accordance with the TCF’s Code review policy, TCF members and subscribers to the TCF Broadsheet were invited to review the existing Code and evaluate whether or not changes should be made.    

Three submissions were made and as a result of the review, the following key updates were made to the Mobile Content Code in November 2008.

• The inclusion of ringtones and related products;
• The inclusion of a number of definitions to Section B (Defined Terms);
• An update to the section on ‘Unsolicited Electronic Communications’ to reflect the Unsolicited Electronic Messages Act 2007;
• The inclusion of the statement that the Code does not cover broadcasting content as defined under the Broadcasting Act;
• An update to the Mobile Content complaints procedures to reflect the requests under the TCF Customer Complaints Code and reference to the Telecommunications Disputes Resolution Scheme introduced in November 2007;
• The addition of Section G relating to Monitoring and Enforcement of Mobile Content Code Obligations; and
• Updating the format to make it consistent with other TCF Codes.

Signatories to the November 2005 Mobile Content Code and other parties are now being invited to sign up to the revised Mobile Content Code.

Signatories to the November 2005 Code

The following parties are signatories to the Code:

• Teamtalk
• Telecom
• Vodafone
• TelstraClear

Signatories to the November 2008 Code

• OPTN
• Rocom
• Run the Red
• Telecom 
• Woosh

Parties interested in becoming a signatory to the Code should contact the Forum Administrator.