BBC iPlayer gets more parental controls

The BBC Trust has said that stringent parental controls should always be included on BBC iPlayer to ensure children do not watch inappropriate content.

According to the Trust's latest review of BBC Editorial Guidelines, clearer labelling must be placed on the catch-up service to flag up "strong or challenging content".

Since its launch in 2007, BBC iPlayer has become a major success and now accounts for around 5% of UK internet traffic. However, the BBC's governing body expressed concern yesterday that "there is no direct equivalent of the watershed online".

"When we make audio or visual content available on demand on BBC platforms, and where appropriate, we must provide information to enable users to understand its context and to make informed choices about its suitability, both for themselves and for children, before they access," the organisation said.

The new editorial standards stipulate that any post-watershed programming should be flagged with a 'G For Guidance' rating to highlight its potential unsuitability for younger audiences, with a "system of content labels" indicating the relative strength.

More stringent parental controls must also be included on BBC iPlayer, involving a "lock" function for challenging content which can then only be accessed by inputting a password.

Both these functions are already in place on the catch-up service, but this is the first time that the editorial guidelines have factored in their provision.

A BBC spokesperson said: "The BBC takes its responsibility to enable parents or guardians to protect younger viewers from unsuitable BBC content on its websites very seriously and already provides a number of tools to do this.

"BBC iPlayer, for example, clearly labels programmes which may be unsuitable for young audiences. A lock system allows parents or guardians to prevent younger viewers from watching streamed guidance rated programmes unless they have a password, and a similar system operates in respect of downloaded programmes on iPlayer. Setting up these systems is optional but they can be easily activated at any time."

This move follows the Trust's proposed crackdown on the use of strong language and the depiction of intimidation on the BBC's TV, radio and online content.

Under the new standards, the corporation must never allow strong language to be used on the radio or pre-watershed "apart from the most exceptional circumstances". Swear words should also not be broadcast on web content that is "likely to appeal to a significant proportion of children".

The Trust is now holding a public consultation on the proposed editorial guidelines, with licence fee payers able to have their say until December 24. When approved, the new editorial standards will come into force in summer 2010.