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This age-based rating system is the product of a lot of work by the CTIA, the ESRB, and many major mobile carriers. I’m particularly pleased that we’re the first wireless carrier to fully integrate the ESRB ratings – every app in our store has them -- and that we have adapted our Content Filters for wireless devices to reflect these ratings.
We talk to customers a lot, and we know parents want tools to help choose the right content for their families. So we pioneered content filters on wireless phones in 2007 and introduced our own content ratings system in 2008.
But in many discussions and surveys over the years, parents told us they needed a simple, trustworthy way to choose content for their children. They wanted a familiar ratings system, not a new one.
It was clear that an independent, industrywide rating system was needed. It was also clear that the ESRB’s age-based ratings, familiar from computer and video games, were a perfect fit for mobile apps.
We endorsed this approach, joined a coalition led by the CTIA -- the wireless industry’s trade association -- and worked quickly to implement the rating system once it was completed last November. While participation in this program is voluntary, five other app store operators -- AT&T, Microsoft, Sprint, T-Mobile, and U.S. Cellular -- have signed on, and I hope the rest of the industry will join in soon.
We work diligently to make it easier to manage the content on our products and help people stay safe online. In addition to launching this new rating system, we recently simplified the Safeguards section of the Verizon Wireless website to bring all parental control features in one place, and we’ve improved our Online Safety offerings to make it easier to learn about staying safe online.
To view vital speeches given by our authors, visit our speeches page.
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Kathy Brown
S.V.P., Public Policy Development and Corporate Responsibility
Kathy leads Verizon's global corporate responsibility initiatives and policy development. She also oversees the Verizon Foundation.
James Gowen
Chief Sustainability Officer/
V.P. of Services Operations
James oversees Verizon’s supply chain, vehicle fleet, investment recovery, purchasing and materials management and sustainability initiatives.
Rose Kirk
President, Verizon Foundation
Rose leads Verizon's philanthropic strategy with an emphasis on projects that demonstrate the use of Verizon's technology in addressing social issues such as education, domestic violence prevention and online safety. The Verizon Foundation is one of the 15 largest corporate foundations in America.
Jack McArtney
Director of Corporate and Community Responsibility
Jack promotes digital wellness and online safety. He works with parents, educators, service providers, application developers and industry leaders to foster responsible use of Verizon's mobile and broadband networks.
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