Disclaimer: The
"interim ICTSB response" is a collection of opinions
which does not necessarily represent a consensus view of
the ICTSB
| Generic
Consumer Requirements in ICT standardization extracted from the ANEC report |
Interim ICTSB response |
|---|---|
| 1. ISP's responsibility: As a minimum requirement, Internet Service Providers should ensure that they do not carry any content that is notified to them by the competent authorities as being illegal (i.e. obscene, libellous, sacrilegious, dangerous) in the countries in which they provide their service. Internet Service Providers and authorities should pool information regarding such sites or newsgroups. This, however, would be a legal requirement, not a standards issue. | Not for standardization. |
| 2. Rating systems: Systems exist whereby web publishers can voluntarily categorise their pages or site, thus allowing web browsers to selectively filter such sites. These systems are based on industry standards. RSACI and Safesurf are well known examples. While these systems may work at a technical level, they are far from being universally adopted and are unlikely ever to achieve this. However, the system can still be a useful tool to assist filtering and should be formally standardized. | |
| 3. Filtering or blocking software: Current third-party 'filtering' software (e.g. Cybersitter, CyberPatrol, Netnanny) could alternatively or additionally form a basis for controlling Internet content. However, in their present form these products do not perform adequately. Standardisation with respect to performance ratings could significantly improve these tools. In particular, they should be able to be tailored to specific needs and to regional or national requirements. Such filtering tools should be able to control content from all appropriate Internet applications, not just the World Wide Web. Typically, the control of filtering software will lie with the consumer but if third-party control is applicable then the user should be made aware that a filter is in use. |