CTIA-The Wireless Association® Announces App Rating Initiative

Also Solicits Bids to Build and Maintain App Content Self-Certification System

WASHINGTON, March 22, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- CTIA-The Wireless Association® announced today a mobile app rating initiative that is expected to be available by end of year 2011. The program was developed based on CTIA's Guidelines for App Content Classification and Ratings, which call for voluntary self-certification of apps. In addition, this initiative is a part of the wireless industry's continued commitment to empowering consumers since the app ratings will offer the information parents need to determine which apps are appropriate for their children. Participating CTIA member app stores have agreed to adopt the Guidelines.  

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Prior to the first app store in July 2008, there were few apps available and very few consumers who used them. Today, there are more than 800,000 apps available from numerous stores on at least 11 different operating systems.

"The mobile app market is growing exponentially and we understand the challenges that parents may face when determining what content is appropriate for their children. That's why we're proud to introduce this initiative so parents can make informed decisions regarding the apps their children download," said Steve Largent, president and CEO of CTIA-The Wireless Association.    

CTIA is also issuing a request for proposal (RFP) to build and maintain an online questionnaire and database system for the purpose of rating app content. This system will allow developers to enter information about their app's content, during the on-boarding process at participating app storefronts. Based on the information supplied, an age-appropriate content rating is applied to each app.

For more information on the RFP, please contact: wic@ctia.org.

To learn more about the Guideline's for App Content Classification and Ratings, please visit: http://www.ctia.org/consumer_info/service/index.cfm/AID/10673

CTIA-The Wireless Association® (www.ctia.org) is an international organization representing the wireless communications industry. Membership in the association includes wireless carriers and their suppliers, as well as providers and manufacturers of wireless data services and products. CTIA advocates on behalf of its members at all levels of government. The association also coordinates the industry's voluntary best practices and initiatives, and sponsors the industry's leading wireless tradeshows. CTIA was founded in 1984 and is based in Washington, DC.

SOURCE CTIA-The Wireless Association

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