Google's Android Market said it will begin offering content ratings similar to those used by Hollywood for films.

According to a post on the Android Market website, developers are being asked to use "application ratings to help users determine whether your application and its content is appropriate for them." The site suggests that all the content in a developer's app, including user-generated content and ads, and content that the app links to, should adhere to the assigned rating.

Android Market offers guidance in determining the appropriate rating category, but says that developers are ultimately responsible for rating their applications in the appropriate category. However, if a user flags an app for an inappropriate rating, Android Market reserves the right to "re-rate it per our guidelines," saying that repeat offenders may be subject to further action, up to and including account termination.

There are four levels to the new content ratings: All, Pre-Teen, Teen and mature. The site suggests that apps that include references to drugs, alcohol or tobacco products or their use should be rated "Teen" or above. Apps that focus on the consumption or sale of drugs, alcohol or tobacco should be rated "Mature".

The guidelines set forth sub categories and offer suggestions for how to deal with specific themes, such as gambling or sexual content.

The full guidelines can be found here.