Menu

Telenor Signs EU-wide Framework to Make Mobile Use Safer for Children

Press release
Fornebu
3 minute read
Press Release
On 7 February 2007 Telenor signed the European Framework for Safer Mobile Use by Younger Teenagers and Children, which puts forward recommendations to ensure that young people can safely access content on their mobile phones.

The content of the Framework

The EU-wide Framework specifically addresses the following:

  • access control mechanisms
  • classification of commercial content
  • fighting illegal content on the Internet
  • raising awareness and education

The content of the Framework was discussed at a series of high-level group meetings co-ordinated by GSM Europe under the auspices of the European Commission. The signing took place on the Safer Internet Day in the presence of European Commissioner for information society and media, Viviane Reding.

Classifying content against national standards

Mobile providers already work with customers, parents and other stakeholders, including child protection organisations, to promote safer mobile use. Mobile providers also recognise the crucial role played by the content community in classifying their content against national societal standards, and welcome the support of policy makers and trade associations for industry initiatives such as the Framework.

Strong Telenor commitment

"Telenor has already developed child-friendly services on all platforms and undertaken initiatives together with child protection organizations (e.g. Save the Children) and law enforcement authorities. Signing this framework represents Telenor's commitment to the principles outlined in the framework," said Harriet Berg, Head of Public and Governmental Affairs in Telenor.

Implementing the Framework

Signatory mobile providers and others, including content providers, will work towards the implementation of the Framework through self-regulation at national level in the EU Member States. The signatories have also committed to promoting the Framework in Member States where such an initiative does not currently exist.
GSM Europe and the European Commission will work together to evaluate the progress made in a year's time. Mobile operators encourage other stakeholders to join this effort in order to increase safety for younger teenagers and children.