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Apple, Google to snub ESRB app ratings

Written by James Delahunty @ 30 Nov 2011 7:40 User comments (1)

Apple, Google to snub ESRB app ratings Pair already have ratings systems in place.
Yesterday, CTIA and the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) detailed a new plan to provide ratings to mobile apps, the same way ESRB provides ratings for the video games industry. The mobile app ratings system will be identical to the video games rating system.

Developers of mobile games will fill out a survey for each game and answer questions about the content at hand. A rating will be issued to the developer, who can appeal the rating if they feel it is unfair or incorrect. The same rating will apply across other platforms for the same app.

ESRB has seven ratings categories: While the ESRB system will be adopted by Microsoft, Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Sprint Nextel, U.S. Cellular Corp and T-Mobile, it certainly won't help that neither Apple or Google will be participating.



Apple's App Store has approximately 500,000 apps available, while Google's Android Market touts 300,000. Combined, they are used by millions of smartphone users and tablet PC owners.

"We've put a lot of effort into Android Market's rating system, which now works well globally. While we support other systems, we think it's best for Android users and developers to stick with Android's existing ratings," a Google spokesman said.

Tags: Apple Google ESRB
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1 user comment

130.11.2011 17:18

well from a stand point of you have to be 18 and credit check and billing statement and such to buy a cell phone\activated it . its pretty much a moot point to place ratings on such apps or games after all if the parents give the child a cell phone they still have to have a credit card or the master account password to buy or change the service to buy stuff . i may be wrong on some points but i know im right on the requirements to get a cell phone and activate it

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