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> Mobile Security 2004-19-Jan BRITAIN'S six largest mobile phone operators are joining forces to stop kids accessing porn sites on the latest handsets. The industry is launching an scheme to give adult services accessible via the internet, including gambling, an ''18'' rating. Orange, O2, T-Mobile, Virgin Mobile, Vodafone and 3 have all signed up to the voluntary clampdown. It is the first time such a censorship system has been introduced for the internet, mirroring long-established schemes for films, videos and video games. Paedophiles Youngsters will also be blocked from chat rooms not supervised by adults. The action has been taken in an effort to stop paedophiles using the third generation (3G) internet mobile phones to ''groom'' children for abuse. Parents buying 3G handsets for kids will be able to bar adult content and shops will have to verify customers' ages. Anti-child porn charities welcomed the new code. They want internet firms tobring in similar controls on access through home computers. Project co-ordinator Hamish MacLeod said: ''The industry is aware of parental concerns and, through this code, addresses them in a responsible and timely way.'' Internet consultant for children's charity NCH John Carr said: ''The new code is going to make many people ask why, if the mobile people can do it, the fixed internet people can't.'' Under their new code. the mobile operators have also pledged to combat illegal, bulk and nuisance communications, known as ''spam''. In addition, they will work with the police to deal with the reporting of content that may break the law. Communications minister Stephen Timms said: ''We believe this approach best meets the needs and expectations of consumers.''
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