Librarian in Black Blog – Sarah Houghton

I am still working on a comprehensive write-up on our library's filtering experience to post here, but in the meantime I thought I'd link everyone to an interesting article I ran across in my research: "FCC: More Content-Blocking Gizmos Needed" by Matthew Lasar on ars technica.  The FCC took public comments through April 16th on ways to effectively create "advanced blocking technologies" across all digital media (inc. television, DVDs, etc.) and the web.  This is being done in response to implementation of the "Child Safe Viewing Act of 2007" which mandated that the FCC gather information on filters and blockers on the market and how to best implement them.  The FCC has to review all of the feedback submitted and submit a summary report to Congress by August 29th, 2009.  It will be interesting to see what comes out of this process.  Will it be filters on video sites online?  More implementation of the v-chip or similar devices?  In any case, any universal solution can only serve to hamper our Constitutional rights to freedom of information so I can guarantee that many members of the library community will be watching closely.