CTIA Launches App Rating Initiative

CTIA-The Wireless Association announced 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. 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.