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1.1 |
An
Audiotext Hosting Service is defined as a service provided
pursuant to a licence issued by the Commission, such service
being accessed by utilising a telephone or any other future
communication tool, and having access via numbers beginning
with the prefix 600 or any other number/mode determined
by the Commission. |
| 1.2 |
Objectives
The
major purpose of these specific guidelines is to allow
Audiotext Hosting Service Providers to self-regulate themselves
in the best interest of users generally and in accordance
with internationally recognised practice and national
policy. |
1.3 |
Principles
This
Code is a manifestation of a paradigm change brought about
by technological advancements in the broadcasting industry.
It is acknowledged that compliance with the Content Code
is what sets the standards for Content and not the other
way around whereby content takes precedence over standards. |
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(a) |
Audiotext Hosting Service Content providers shall apply the guidelines set out in Part 2 of this Code in determining whether Content is indecent, obscene, menacing or offensive unless otherwise defined in this Part. |
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(b) |
No Audiotext Hosting Service provider shall knowingly provide prohibited Content. |
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(c) |
Any content provided must not be misleading, likely to mislead or essentially out of date. |
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(d) |
Guidelines will be adhered to on a self-regulatory basis in a manner that would encourage the development of Content and the positive growth of the industry. While recognising the importance of the positive growth and commercial viability of the industry, Audiotext Host Service providers shall at all times abide by all relevant laws and consider the views and interest of the general public. |
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(e) |
Where live Audiotext Hosting Services are offered, at least one adequately trained employee must be assigned and present at all times to moderate, facilitate and monitor the service to ensure that all activities within the service remain healthy. The service must provide facilities for the trained employee to immediately remove callers who misuse and abuse the service. |
2.0 - Specific Guidelines |
2.1 |
Rating Classifications
All Audiotext Hosting
Services must be classified according to the following
rating classification below and displayed clearly in all
advertising materials. |
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"U" |
- Information or Entertainment services suitable
for all ages. However callers below 18 years of
age must obtain permission from the person making
payment for the use of the Audiotext Hosting Services. |
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"18+" |
- Services
for the general public 18 years and above. |
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| Specialist Information |
2.2 |
"Specialist
Information" is defined as information or advice provided
by professionals, corporations, the government, government
agencies or any other persons who is appropriately qualified
or an expert or specialist in relation to the area of
expertise. |
2.3 |
Audiotext
Host Service content containing professional advice or
opinion (e.g. Medical/Dental/Legal/Financial Services)
must ensure that: |
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(a) |
The
person is appropriately qualified in his area of
expertise; |
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(b) |
The advice
is prefaced with a disclaimer that such advice should
not be acted upon without first consulting a suitably
qualified practitioner, and be conveyed in a manner
that accurately reflects the seriousness of the
subject matter; and |
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(c) |
Any advice
involving scientific, statistical or other research
data must indicate clearly the source of such data. |
| 2.4 |
An
Advertisement relating to an Audiotext Hosting Services
containing Specialist Information or endorsement must
clearly indicate: |
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(a) |
The
identity, current status and relevant professional
qualification and experience of the person(s) involved;
or |
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(b) |
The identity
of the professional association, statutory authority
or government department involved. |
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| Content
Designed for Children and Young Persons or Dependent Persons |
2.5 |
Audiotext Hosting Services
designed for, either wholly or mainly, and aimed at an
audience of children, young persons or dependent persons
must not |
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(a) |
Include
references to sexual practices, language or materials
that are offensive to the standards of decency prevailing
among those likely to be exposed to them; |
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(b) |
Involve any
information or noise or sound effect likely to alarm
any child or young person, or of other dependent
person, having regard to special protection for
such dependent persons; and |
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(c) |
Force or unfairly
cause any of the above persons, mentioned in this
paragraph to dial additional telephone numbers. |
2.6 |
Advertisement
of services aimed at young person/children must carry
the following warning messages: "This call costs RMX.XX
per minute/per call. Callers under 18 must seek parent's
or guardians approval before calling". |
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3.1 |
Audiotext
Hosting Services shall respect copyright ownership of
recorded announcements or interactive Content and shall
not utilise part or all of the Content from another medium
without the permission of the copyright owner. |
The Content Code 
