A new rating system has been proposed for mobile apps that are downloaded by the thousands every single day. A rating system similar to the one that is used for video games has been in the works for some time and now many want to go ahead with the system. One issue is that the two largest mobile app markets are not showing any support as of yet for the new system. Apple and Google have not stepped forward to show interest on either side of the new system.
The new policy, which was drawn up by The Wireless Association, says that all mobile apps for games and social networking sites will be rated for their age appropriate content. The rating system will be on a five point scale and will go from “everyone” to “adults only”. The program is voluntary for now and will be overlooked by the Entertainment Software Rating Board, which has done similar ratings for the game industry since 1994. The new app rating system is going to give parents the ability to monitor the use of mobile apps by their children. One report says that 52 percent of children under the age of 8 have access to smartphones or tablet computers in the home.
Steve Largent, the President of CTIA, said the “The mobile application rating system is easy for parents and consumers to understand while being simple fast and free for developers”, plus he went on to add that it would keep the system from “unnecessary government regulation”. So far, there has been no news from Apple and Android and that is mostly because both of those apps markets have their own rating systems in place already.
Google said they put a lot of work into the Android Market ratings system which works well. A Google spokesman said, “While we support other systems, we think it’s best for Android users and developers to stick with Android’s existing ratings,” in an e-mail regarding the rating system. Apple spokesman has decided not to comment at all when asked about involvement in the new rating system. Microsoft, Sprint, AT&T, US Cellular, Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile have all said they will be participating in the new rating system.
