Consumer Reports WebWatch Says Web Users Want A Rating System to Help Protect Kids on the Internet

Report Findings Released Oct. 26th at National Press Club with Children’s Panel Discussing Feasibility of Ratings

Published:October 29, 2005

Leap of Faith: Using the Internet Despite the Dangers, a new report from Consumer Reports WebWatch, was based on a survey of Internet users and reported that a majority of users are less trusting of the Internet than they were just a few years ago. As a matter of fact, 30% responded that they reduced the amount of time on the Internet because of this lack of trust. It also found that 86% of respondents changed their behavior on the Internet because of their unease, by doing things like using a separate credit card for Internet shopping only.

One section of the study looked at how the respondents felt about children’s websites. Sadly, 86% felt that adults seeking out children in chat rooms are a major problem. A large majority (86%) think that the Web needs a rating system, similar to the existing systems for movies, TV and video games that signal whether or not the product is suitable for children of certain ages .

At The National Press Club in Washington, DC , I participated in a panel as a part of the WebWatch study’s release. Our panel discussed the scope of the problem as well as the feasibility and desirability of instituting ratings systems and more stringent parental controls. To view the transcripts go to http://www.consumerwebwatch.org. To download a transcript or audio copy of the panels go to http://www.consumerwatch.org To get a complete transcript of the report go to http://www.connectlive.com