Childnet Supports the Development of the Internet Content Rating Association 16 June 2000

Childnet has strongly advocated the development of an international Internet labelling system which would give objective descriptions of content on web sites. Earlier this year Nigel Williams, Childnet's Director was asked to chair the Advisory Board of ICRA (Internet Content Rating Association). This Advisory Board has now published a report advising the ICRA board in its task of developing the structure, content and technical specifications of a rating and filtering system.

Speaking after the publication of the report Nigel said, "The Advisory Board process has given many experts with relevant experience in a range of fields - computer science, media law, education, free speech advocacy etc,- the opportunity to provide input into the development of the new ICRA labelling and filtering system. We recognise that it will be a very challenging task to launch the system successfully across the world and encourage rapid uptake."

Nigel Williams is speaking at a conference in Tokyo, Japan on 21 June about the development of Internet hotlines to deal with the problem of illegal material online, especially child pornography. The conference is organised by the Electronic Network Consortium, a Japanese industry body and will be looking at how, following the recent outlawing of child pornography in Japan, the online community can provide ways for users to report material they come across.

Contact For further information about Childnet see www.childnet-int.org or e-mail info@childnet-int.org.

(Childnet International is a registered charity no 1053193)