●Origins

The invention of computers had an impact on humanity similar to that of a second industrial revolution. After the first industrial revolution, people used machines to perform laborious tasks, increasing the output of each unit of land. Today, computers achieved a similar result by enhancing output per unit of time. For example: in the past, all tax data was checked manually, taking perhaps an hour to find the answer to a query. Now, the same information can be found almost immediately through a computer. Also, the invention of the Internet changed the way people live, and even the way we think. The boundless nature of the Internet and its ability to transcend barriers of time and space allowed unprecedented convenience of access to data. However, while such developments have brought many beneficial effects, it is also true that there have been negative impacts. Of these, the most obvious is the proliferation of sexually explicit and violent materials, which can corrupt and mislead children.

In the 70s, most young people satisfied their curiosity about sex through pornographic magazines; by the 80s, the most popular medium was videotape and cable television; the 90s witnessed increasing demands for erotic CD-ROMs. In recent years, the Internet not only have become the predominant medium for trafficking pornography and exchanging sexual experiences, but also a tool facilitating sex trade and associated sex crimes. Indeed, a random search on the Internet even reveals “The World Sex Guide,” which provides information on prostitute related websites, which included sites originating from Taiwan . The proliferation of such behavior has attracted international attention. In 1997, representatives of top US communication companies gathered at the White House to report on the situation to government officials and community leaders. It was at that meeting, Internet control technology, in the form of the Platform for Internet Content Selection (PICS), was first unveiled. US President Bill Clinton issued a statement indicating that “whilst respecting the spirit of the constitution,” the aim was to establish the Internet as a digital space that “protects children and is suitable for the entire family.” In September of 1997, the United Kingdom 's Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) was the first semi-official group to invite representatives from Germany , France , Belgium , Switzerland , Australia , and other countries to an international conference on the subject. The goal of this gathering was to bring together various nations' governments and industries in supporting and promoting the establishment of a PICS Internet control technology protocol.

●International Standards and Organization

Platform for Internet Content Selection (PICS)

PICS stemmed from a strong desire to avoid the use of “statutory” measures to limit “freedom of speech” on the Internet. As a result, the regulations stipulated by PICS remained largely a matter of self-policing. However, for PICS to produce satisfying results ultimately depended on whether websites are willing to display the PICS identification rating or not. Reluctance to comply could result in a situation where “those obeying the rules are at a disadvantage compared with those breaking the rules.” Basically, PICS is an Internet rating system. Parents concerned about children being adversely influenced by pornography or violence can use a web-browser that provides Internet rating (parental) settings. By establishing rating “labels,” if a pornographic website is accessed, a dialogue box will appear requesting a password. So users without the parental password will not be able to access restricted websites.

Internet Content Rating Association (ICRA)

The ICRA is an independent international organization. Through open and objective Internet content rating (labeling) methods, the public, especially parents, are able to make clear and intelligent judgments concerning the content of digital media. The dual objectives of ICRA are:

˙ To ensure that children are not influenced by improper information.

˙ To guarantee freedom of speech on the Internet.  

Parents can use the information displayed by ICRA ratings labels and their own standards to limit what types of websites a web-browser is able to access. The ICRA system can be used in conjunction with Microsoft's Internet Explorer (IE), and is currently being developed for other applications. One of the focal points of this approach is that ICRA does not evaluate web page contents; rather, the Internet Content Provider (ICP) rates the contents according to ICRA's labeling system. In other words, ICRA does not judge the value of web pages.

●Role of the TICRF

With the support of W3C (World Wide Web Consortium), PICS was first proposed in 1996. Internet operators and non-profit organizations then began to use these technical standards to gradually build up an Internet ratings environment. However, people in Taiwan are largely unfamiliar with these norms. To introduce and clarify the rating system, Taiwan Internet Content Rating Promotion Foundation (TICRF) plans to focus on educating the general public about the rules and regulations. Major participants in this project include Internet content providers, supervisors of underage readers (teachers and parents), and related software developers. The most common misunderstanding is that people think PICS is a type of “software.” On the contrary, PICS is similar to a common language to facilitate communication between rating systems, Internet content providers, rating servers, and content filtering software. The areas PICS does not define, such as operational interface of content filtering software, can be designed by participants. To construct a website ratings system that meets the specific needs of Taiwan websites, it was necessary to consult a broad range of opinions. This way, a communications protocol that satisfies the basic foundation of PICS serves not only to protect the special needs of Taiwan , but also ensures smooth integration into the global community.

The Government Information Office's “Internet Content Rating Regulation,” issued on April 26 th of 2004, required Internet content providers to rate the content they provide. The regulation largely focused on the self-policing of content providers, whereas the role of TICRF is to assist providers in developing a self-rating system. However, for providers' ratings to have any effect, it is also necessary for teachers/parents to be able to use the developed system combined with suitable software. Therefore, while TICRF maintains close contacts with content providers, another important focus of work is to promote the system to end-users.

●The Work Ahead

As part of “Internet Content Rating Regulation,” the TICRF will assume the role of “Internet ratings agency.” In order to increase the effectiveness of ratings, TICRF will design a rating system that suits the needs of Internet users in Taiwan . This is the only way to ensure that content providers' self-rating data (metadata) meets the needs of end-users. Although a rating system can also be established by a commercial organization, such an approach would make expanding the scope of participation difficult. Moreover, while private companies may have been willing to get involved during the dot.com boom, currently they lack the incentive. Today, the most widely used ICRA rating system is operated and maintained by a non-profit organization.

A rating system could possibly involve nothing more than translating the existing ICRA System, but it is important to first consider ICRA's rating language and categories (as it is based on the value systems of western countries) to determine whether they are suitable for the web-environment in Taiwan. Secondly, we need to consider whether royalty payments paid to utilize ICRA vocabulary is money well spent. Once an Internet rating system is in place, TICRF will assist content providers display rating labels on their websites. TICRF will also draft relevant technical documentation to help guide content providers. Concerning the rating method, “self-rating” was adopted because “third-party rating” requires more coordinating efforts. Once websites are labeled, TICRF's work will focus more on assisting end-users. Currently, the only free filtering software is Microsoft IE, but its functions are already mature. Globally, there already exist a large selection of functionally-complete “parental control” software, including content filtering, usage management, and privacy protection, which some parents may already be using. However, both the price and operational interface of these products prevent most Taiwanese parents from utilizing them. TICRF will work with content providers to develop reasonably priced Chinese software, which will be easier to promote.

Internet content rating allows Internet users to control the content they receive. However, the implementation of a rating system does not make pornographic material inaccessible over the Internet, as that depends on the settings parents or Internet users select on their computers. If PICS were to succeed, it requires all participants to operate in accordance with clearly defined regulations. Take traffic safety as an example: Roads have a variety of traffic lights and pedestrian crossings designed to enhance safety. When motorists and pedestrians obey the regulations, their basic safety is guaranteed. TICRF aims to ensure that the signs on the road are in the right position and fully functional. Parents and teachers must be familiar with the rules of the road to protect our children/youth in a possibly hazardous environment.