Apple and Google Reject CTIA Proposal For Mobile App Ratings System
Google and Apple have both rejected a mobile app rating system that was first proposed by Cellular Telecommunications Internet Association (CTIA).
CTIA hoped to launch the ratings system in an attempt to prevent “unnecessary government regulation” while unifying ratings across various provider platforms.
Under the program the ratings are governed by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) who would evaluate each application and provide recommendations based on violence and sexual content.
While Google and Apple both currently offer their own ratings systems those ratings can very between their two platforms, even when the same application is being taken under consideration.
Speaking about their own ratings system a Google spokesperson recently said that the Android ratings system works well enough on it’s own while an Apple spokesperson declined to comment.
In the meantime Microsoft, AT&T and Verizon have agreed to use the ESRB rankings for programs stored in their own app stores.
To activate the ratings system developers simply answer a questionnaire at which point apps are investigated for a rating.
Do you think a universal application rating system should be implemented to stop any consumer confusion as more customers take to multiple platforms for daily use, many who choose Google Android and Apple iOS options?
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Nov 30, 2011
Of course they reject it James. Apple made billions from the very fact that some apps, such as Flash, were not allowed in.
Nov 30, 2011
But Nir, they would not lose the ability to reject or accept apps as they see fit, they would simply be providing a universal ratings sytem based on violence and sexual content. This has ZERO to do with Flash or other technologies employed by Apps submitted to the market place.
Nov 30, 2011
James Johnson I would say that they see one step ahead.
Nov 30, 2011
Sorry I'm a bit confused by that statement, I was simply stating that the ratings system doesn't take away their control, it just provides labels for parents to determine an applications violence and sexual content displays. Apple could have chosen to use the system but also employ their 18+ Adult system for certain apps. On a side note, I don't see how feasible rating 500,000+ apps on iOS and then doing the same on Google Android would be a feasible project on a large scale but it could have worked well for newly created and launched applications.
Nov 30, 2011
What I meant is that according to common regulation practices: having monopoly in one field (smartphones) shouldn't be leveraged to create a monopoly in another (apps) so, once the regulator be involved in the rating system, they will say: "hmmm, we have reached that far, why not make the extra mile and take charge on application approval system?"
Nov 30, 2011
Nir Oren But the ratings system as the article states is meant to circumvent regulators. CTIA is an independent organization (they actually control CES). By forming a ratings system independent of governmental ratings it would allow Apple and Google to have some influence over the systems use without dealing in direct and unwavering federal regulators.