andrewducker: (Happy Now?)
andrewducker ([personal profile] andrewducker) wrote2008-12-27 09:31 am

Nice

Of all the stupid ideas to finish out the year with, the British government is considering age ratings for websites. I really do hope that this is the random thought of one person, rather than something serious.

Does anyone actually need me to explain why this is impossible?  Or ridiculously stupid?  Or can I take it as read?

Edit: I have nothing against self-certification. ICRA metadata is absolutely fine by me. It's just clear that it shouldn't be mandatory. Now, if it was _assumed_ by a "kid browser" that all sites were purveyors of filth, unless they self-certified as being porn-free/violence-free/etc. then I could live with that, because adults wouldn't surf with filters on. That's the only technical solution I can think of that has a hope in hell of working.
matgb: Artwork of 19th century upper class anarchist, text: MatGB (Default)

[personal profile] matgb 2008-12-27 12:15 pm (UTC)(link)
I agree with this. Never trust what users say they do, or what site creators say it is, both are likely wrong, and they may actually be trying to be 100% honest.