In an attempt to grab the headlines in the UK broadband sector, TalkTalk broadband, part of the Carphone Warehouse group, has announced plans to introduce a rating system which is very similar to that used in the film industry. Once the system is up and running for TalkTalk broadband customers, parents will be to choose from an array of different user ratings which will include U, 14, 18 or unclassified.
While there is an argument that this new system is to all intents and purposes very similar to the current system it really is down to simplification. By allowing customers to relate to current film ratings when setting up accounts for their children on the Internet they will in an instant be able to block certain websites to ensure the safety and well-being of their offspring.
Many people believe that this particular service is being released as a response to the UK government’s threat to withdraw Internet services for people who are found to have downloaded illegal material, something which industry has been against for some time. It is highly likely that Internet service providers and the UK authorities will find some “middle ground” but at the moment there is no definitive timescale.