Content Filter Mandates Opposed in Most FCC Filings
Most filings in an FCC parental-control technology inquiry opposed rules and instead backed letting a wide array of industry and other groups continue to educate cable, wireless and other subscribers. A total of 19 companies, advocacy groups and coalitions opposed content blocking and filtering mandates in filings late last week to the FCC. Four filings sought task forces, changes to the V-chip system or other remedies. And 12 promoted parental-education efforts or products those making the filings are trying to sell.
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A consortium of six groups said the V-chip system isn’t “nearly as effective as it could be” and it should take “inappropriate” commercials into account and work with many independent ratings systems. “The limitations of both the V- Chip technology and the program ratings system must be resolved if the V-chip is going to function as Congress and the FCC intended,” said the Children’s Media Policy Coalition. It also said the commission should make sure that DTV receivers can respond to changes in content advisories. Others seeking action were Common Sense Media, the National Hispanic Media Coalition and the Coalition for Independent Ratings, which sought task forces or other groups.
A filing by the NAB, NCTA and Motion Picture Association of America was representative of those that said current industry efforts are having their intended effect. “Some parties have suggested that the” three groups’ TV Parental Guidelines “are ineffective, because, in their view, these tools are not used by ‘enough’ parents,” they said. “In fact, a majority of parents report using the Guidelines to monitor their children’s exposure to programming they deem inappropriate, and V-chip use has grown over the years.”
The opponents of new rules included Google, Microsoft and other high-technology companies, the Center for Democracy & Technology, Dish Network, AT&T and Verizon. Microsoft discussed how its Xbox 360 entertainment system has content filters and said the company “continues to look for ways to improve its parental controls in response to parents’ needs.” Google said the Child Safe Viewing Act -- which the FCC will meet by reporting to Congress on the results of its notice of inquiry (CD March 4 p5) -- requires the commission to concentrate on “traditional broadcast television programming rather than nontraditional video content” such as that online.