Yet another new domain; .Kids

AshG · Dec 6, 2002, 10:52 PM

In a move aimed at making the internet a more "kid-friendly" place, President Bush signed legislation that establishes a new domain exclusively for kids. Dot Kids is intended to be "like the children's section of the library, where parents feel comfortable allowing their children to browse. Be a safe place for children to go." (Quote by Pres. Bush). In what sounds like another government domain, the Dot Kids domain will be policed as a safe zone with content being monitored for safety and appropriateness.

While I am all for creating a more friendly environment for children online, I am not sure that government control of the domain is the best possible course of action. There are many other media that are more easily accessible that provide content that is just as bad, if not worse, than the internet:

Quote:

It seems really silly to me that lawmakers would want to be passing legislation for the creation of a new subdomain JUST for kids. Lets see, they've still got violence, drugs, sex, and alcohol abuse, all at the very flip of the TV dial. Lets not even go INTO video games, because I could open up quite a tirade here about that. The internet can go bad very quickly, but lets start with the apple thats already gone rotten...

For the rest of the quote, click here.
For the White House press release, click here.

AshG · Dec 6, 2002, 11:09 PM

Does it scare anyone else that the government will be able to monitor and control the content of the whole domain? While I am all for protecting children, I'm afraid that things might be taken a little too far.

As a schoolteacher, I know what it's like to have limited internet access. About half the pages I look at when I'm at home, I have to have a special override command to view here. I even lost YahooMail access because it was considered "Free email service that may allow transfer of objectionable material". Call me crazy, btu I get more porn spam on my school email account than I ever do with Yahoo.

Dot Kids is cool, but i don't think the government should have a hand in it.

JavaFox · Dec 6, 2002, 11:53 PM

Actually, I'm a huge proponent of free speech, but I see no significant problem with this legislation. Like President Bush said, it's just a zone that parents can let kids go without worrying. Now, on one hand, I am sad that it has to come to this. Parents should be taking an active role in what their kids are viewing. But more and more, I think it's important to not be idealistic all the time.

I see no harm in .kids.

BWX · Dec 7, 2002, 03:43 AM

I think it sounds like a good idea, I think what the major thing they are trying to do is keep kids away from hardcore porn images that sometimes "pop up" when you go to the wrong website- If there were a '.kids' domain, it would almost be like a kid's internet.
I see nothing but good things for the small children who's parents don't allow them on the internet at all just because no filter is fool proof. If the .kids works like it should, you could set the computer to only go to .kids websites and let you children experience the fun of exploring and learning with out AS MUCH to worry about.
I know if I had kids, or I was in charge of my nieces I would not leave the room if I wanted to let them "surf" the internet. I just think even w/ the filters it is to risky- I've seen some things on the net I don't think I should have seen and I am 30 years old!

It would probably be all children's educational stuff anyway, the government would be able to prosecute people who try to put stuff on there that no children should be able to see (or hear or read)- Finally, the government has a good idea, amazing.
Anyway, it couldn't hurt to try it out and see if it floats.

Dec 6, 2002, 11:09 PM	Thread Starter #2
AshG Gadget Life Owner Join Date: May 2002 Location: East TN Posts: 139 Rep Power: 0	Does it scare anyone else that the government will be able to monitor and control the content of the whole domain? While I am all for protecting children, I'm afraid that things might be taken a little too far. As a schoolteacher, I know what it's like to have limited internet access. About half the pages I look at when I'm at home, I have to have a special override command to view here. I even lost YahooMail access because it was considered "Free email service that may allow transfer of objectionable material". Call me crazy, btu I get more porn spam on my school email account than I ever do with Yahoo. Dot Kids is cool, but i don't think the government should have a hand in it. __________________ [color=navy]404_Error, Signature not found[/color] [color=black][color=black]AMD AthlonXP 2500 @ 11x200[/color] - [color=navy]DFI LanParty nForce2 Ultra Rev. B[/color] - [color=black]Thermalright SLK-900A w/ Thermaltake SmartFan[/color] - [color=navy]Corsair TwinX1024 3200XLL[/color] - [color=black]FIC Radeon 9800 Pro[/color] - [color=navy]Hitachi Deskstar 7K250 SATA[/color] - [color=black]WD Raptor 36GB[/color] - [color=navy]LiteOn SOHW-832S[/color] - [color=black]PC Power and Cooling 510W Deluxe[/color] - [color=navy]CoolerMaster CMStacker Case[/color][/color]

Dec 7, 2002, 03:43 AM	#4
BWX unplugged Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: USNY Posts: 19,665 Rep Power: 109 System Specs	I think it sounds like a good idea, I think what the major thing they are trying to do is keep kids away from hardcore porn images that sometimes "pop up" when you go to the wrong website- If there were a '.kids' domain, it would almost be like a kid's internet. I see nothing but good things for the small children who's parents don't allow them on the internet at all just because no filter is fool proof. If the .kids works like it should, you could set the computer to only go to .kids websites and let you children experience the fun of exploring and learning with out AS MUCH to worry about. I know if I had kids, or I was in charge of my nieces I would not leave the room if I wanted to let them "surf" the internet. I just think even w/ the filters it is to risky- I've seen some things on the net I don't think I should have seen and I am 30 years old! It would probably be all children's educational stuff anyway, the government would be able to prosecute people who try to put stuff on there that no children should be able to see (or hear or read)- Finally, the government has a good idea, amazing. Anyway, it couldn't hurt to try it out and see if it floats. __________________

Dec 6, 2002, 11:53 PM	#3
JavaFox E Pluribus Unum Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 3,203 Rep Power: 0	Actually, I'm a huge proponent of free speech, but I see no significant problem with this legislation. Like President Bush said, it's just a zone that parents can let kids go without worrying. Now, on one hand, I am sad that it has to come to this. Parents should be taking an active role in what their kids are viewing. But more and more, I think it's important to not be idealistic all the time. I see no harm in .kids.