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WASHINGTON -- Any individual that has every played a video game -- or seen a commercial for one -- has probably noticed a rating system. Now, a group is offering to put ratings on mobile phone apps.
The new rating system may be applauded by parents, but it does not have support from the giants of the mobile app universe.
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The rating system is voluntary, with the biggest app stores not choosing to sign on, but that has not stopped the Entertainment Software Rating Board, known for its ratings of video games, from creating a system to help parents filter out inappropriate content.
"Our unrivaled experience in providing such tools for the video games industry makes the ERSB system especially well-suited to rate all interactive and entertainment software, regardless of the device on which it's consumed," said President of ERSB Patricia Vance.
In addition to the familiar rating system - "M" for mature or "E" for everyone -- the new system would inform the buyer if an app collects or shares private information, which is something the cell phone industry is backing.
Our unrivaled experience in providing such tools for the video games industry makes the ERSB system especially well-suited to rate all interactive and entertainment software, regardless of the device on which it's consumed.
–Patricia Vance
Apple said it already has a rating system in place, BlackBerry has no plans to implement the system and Google said they would pass on the idea.
"We think it's best for Android users and developers to stick with Android's existing ratings," said Google in a prepared statement.
"The ERSB may have a nice idea, but if you don't have the big players like Apple and Google and BlackBerry on board, it's not going anywhere," said CNET Networks Senior Editor Scott Stein.
Despite the big mobile apps supplies not signing onto the system, supporters of the proposed rating system say the battle is just beginning. Promoters of the rating system say it is "scalable,' meaning the big app stores are welcome to jump on board.
