These Good Practice Principles on Audiovisual Content Information have been agreed by leading players in the industry.

Research has demonstrated that consumers, particularly parents, want clear information about the content they and their children can access, whether it is online, on a mobile phone or on television.

These principles set out the underlying approach that content providers are taking so that consumers get the information they need, and in a way that makes sense to them across different platforms.

Building on existing good practice, the principles promote common sense, simplicity and transparency to ensure that consumers are empowered to make safe and
informed choices about commercially provided content.

They relate to content that may be unsuitable for children and young people or which some members of the public may find offensive.

While the format of the information provided may vary from platform to platform, content providers are committed to ensuring that it:

• is easy to use and understand
• enables the user to make informed choices
• uses plain and consistent language
• is practical for the medium in which it is made available

These principles will not only inform current content services, but those of the future
as well. As such, whilst the nature of content itself will develop, the commitment to giving consumers information about this content that is easy to use and understand remains.

The Broadband Stakeholder Group, the broadband advisory body that has facilitated the development of these principles, will review their impact and effectiveness in early 2009.