Genachowski: FCC may require safety features for kids

LAS VEGAS--FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said the government will require electronics manufacturers to make digital media safer for kids if the private sector does not "step up" to develop to such technologies on their own.

Genachowski was being interviewed by Consumer Electronics Association CEO Gary Shapiro today at CES when he said parents are facing unprecedented challenges in protecting children from inappropriate material on the Internet, cable and TV channels. He wants technology companies to find ways for parents to have more control over what kids are exposed to when they surf the Web.

"When I was a kid, parents were concerned about media and basically that meant worrying about the TV in the house that had a few over the air channels," Genachowski said.
"It's a very different world now. There are more TVs in the home. More importantly there are many more channels on the TV that present many more challenges. TV's aren't the only screens anymore. Kids have computers and teachers are requiring them to consult the Internet to do their homework but there are obviously dangers for kids on the Internet. The mobile phone is a new screen that presents a whole realm of concerns."

Shapiro suggested that mandating TV and computer manufacturers to build in a special feature could backfire. He pointed out the V-Chip, a piece of technology that is supposed to block violent material on TVs, that was mandated in a bill by Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) several years ago.

Despite the mandate, the technology did not take off with consumers.

Genachowski said he thinks companies can come up with a variety of ways to protect children without government requirements.

"I'm very hopeful that there can be private sector solutions," he said. "If there aren't, the government will act. The concerns parents have are serious."