23 April 2010 | Author: D. Warburton Search Copywriter
A new internet service provider is policing UK websites to restrict access for younger users, using the same age classification system as feature films and video games.
The ISP tibboh has worked with the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) to set an age restriction on content for younger web users, which can then be more specifically customised by parents. According to PC Pro, news sites will range from U to PG ratings, while search engines such as Google, Bing and Yahoo! will be rated 12.
"The rationale for this is that even forcing the [search engines'] 'safe search' solutions for U, PG and 12, the number of search results that generate sites that would be blocked remains significant," a spokesperson for tibboh explained. The company will also offer its own search engine aimed at providing a safer search environment for younger users.
Due to ongoing concerns over child safety, social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter also receive a 12 classification, which the ISP states is in line with these sites' existing terms and conditions. Despite the organisation's previous failure to implement a 'panic button' on Facebook for younger users, the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) has introduced this feature for all web pages accessed through the ISP using a browser overlay, including Facebook, which younger users can activate if they feel threatened online.
Meanwhile, all blog services will receive a 15 rating regardless of content, and even adult users of 18-certificate accounts will be restricted from accessing some web content, which tibboh describes as "minimal restrictions to certain race-hate and criminal-skill websites, as well as proxy sites."
The ISP says it has thus far vetted around three billion URLs for content using a combination of keyword and image mapping, which includes interlinking and "the way [a website] markets and presents itself." Those websites that have yet to be checked will automatically be blocked from younger users until properly vetted.
Although tibboh's restricted service is bound to make it unpopular with proponents of the open web, it seems the ISP offers some degree of comfort to parents who are concerned about their children accessing sensitive content online.
David Miles, Director of the Family Online Safety Institute, told The Independent: "There's no doubt that parents are looking for a commonality between DVD or videogame classification and the net, and tibboh should be commended for this."
He also conceded, however, that the imperfect filtering system means some websites will inevitably be blocked accidentally, including teaching materials. "Useful websites will be filtered, no doubt about it," Mr Miles said.
ISP to block kids from some social sites and search pages
A new internet service provider is policing UK websites to restrict access for younger users, using the same age classification system as feature films and video games.The ISP tibboh has worked with the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) to set an age restriction on content for younger web users, which can then be more specifically customised by parents. According to PC Pro, news sites will range from U to PG ratings, while search engines such as Google, Bing and Yahoo! will be rated 12.
"The rationale for this is that even forcing the [search engines'] 'safe search' solutions for U, PG and 12, the number of search results that generate sites that would be blocked remains significant," a spokesperson for tibboh explained. The company will also offer its own search engine aimed at providing a safer search environment for younger users.
Due to ongoing concerns over child safety, social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter also receive a 12 classification, which the ISP states is in line with these sites' existing terms and conditions. Despite the organisation's previous failure to implement a 'panic button' on Facebook for younger users, the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) has introduced this feature for all web pages accessed through the ISP using a browser overlay, including Facebook, which younger users can activate if they feel threatened online.
Meanwhile, all blog services will receive a 15 rating regardless of content, and even adult users of 18-certificate accounts will be restricted from accessing some web content, which tibboh describes as "minimal restrictions to certain race-hate and criminal-skill websites, as well as proxy sites."
The ISP says it has thus far vetted around three billion URLs for content using a combination of keyword and image mapping, which includes interlinking and "the way [a website] markets and presents itself." Those websites that have yet to be checked will automatically be blocked from younger users until properly vetted.
Although tibboh's restricted service is bound to make it unpopular with proponents of the open web, it seems the ISP offers some degree of comfort to parents who are concerned about their children accessing sensitive content online.
David Miles, Director of the Family Online Safety Institute, told The Independent: "There's no doubt that parents are looking for a commonality between DVD or videogame classification and the net, and tibboh should be commended for this."
He also conceded, however, that the imperfect filtering system means some websites will inevitably be blocked accidentally, including teaching materials. "Useful websites will be filtered, no doubt about it," Mr Miles said.
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