The Content Map, a comprehensive portal for British digital content services, has been launched to encourage UK online consumers to explore more than 150 authorised websites and platforms offering films, TV programmes, music, video games, e-books and sports broadcasts.

The Content Map has been developed by members of the Alliance for Intellectual Property based on the British Video Association's video landscape concept map. It is funded by the BPI (The Recorded Music Industry), Industry Trust for IP Awareness, Premier League, Publishers Association and UK Interactive Entertainment.

The Content Map provides information and assistance to parents, teachers and people who may not already be frequent users of online services, and acts as a guide on where and how to access online content safely and legally. "It also demonstrates the breath of choice that exists in the digital market, highlighting innovative services that offer a wide variety of content in addition to those targeted at more specialist audiences," says the communiqué.

With these services already accessible through computers and tablets, internet-connected TVs, mobile phones, games consoles and other internet-enabled devices, The Content Map provides the public with a simple route to all authorised digital creative content. In most instances, clicking on a website's icon will link the user directly to the site or service.

"This is an excellent initiative and one which will be very useful to guardians and gatekeepers, educators and the general public," says Ed Vaizey MP, UK Minister for the Creative Industries.

For Lavinia Carey, Director General of the British Video Association, "Innovation in video entertainment platforms is being driven by the same impetus that has propelled the rate of change across all creative industries - digital technology and improving broadband speed and reach. The Content Map will be a valuable tool to guide users to video services that most suit their needs and life-styles."

"We realise that it can sometimes be difficult for people to differentiate legal sites from illegal sites," commented Susie Winter, Director General of the Alliance for Intellectual Property which coordinated the project. "That is why the creative industries have come together to launch a central online hub where consumers can be secure in the knowledge that they and their children can identify official services. The Content Map also provides 'jargon busters' and FAQs which clarify the sometimes technical terminology that is used online."