NetIDme’s patented age verification system has been accredited by the British Board of Film Classification for its new media download classification scheme.

BBFC.online uses the Board’s famous ‘black cards’ and category symbols to enable users downloading new media content − video-on-demand and streamed video which is offered to the public through websites, set-top boxes and portable media devices − to judge whether it is suitable for consumption.

Independent research indicated that 74 per cent of parents were concerned about downloading video material which does not come with independent content advice and labelling. In addition, 91 per cent of parents wanted to see BBFC film and DVD classification on downloadable/streaming films and other digital audiovisual content.

NetIDme Chief Executive, Alex Hewitt, said:

“BBFC.online is a revolutionary scheme that enables the application of the same rules in the online world that have been developed over many years to protect people in the real world.

To be one of the first companies to be accredited under the British Board of Film Classification’s scheme – and the only one capable of verifying under 18s – is a ringing endorsement of our patented age-verification system, which is currently used by a number of blue chip companies.”

Read more about NetIDme’s BBFC.online accreditation

ChatShield, the IM parental control software from NetIDme is now free for parents to download. NetIDme is delighted to be able to make the software freely available, to help protect families who use Windows Live Messenger (formerly MSN) to communicate with friends.

ChatShield automatically checks all instant messaging (IM) contacts against the NetIDme identity verification service, and simply stops any unidentifiable contacts from sending or receiving instant messages to/from your children.

Visit the ChatShield website to download the free plug-in.

The NetIDme Stranger Danger Media Campaign, managed by Weber Shandwick Scotland, has been shortlisted for two CiPR Pride Awards. The winners will be announced on 16th November 2007. NetIDme received the prestigious European-wide SABRE award for Media Relations earlier this year.
NetIDme campaign shortlisted.

Child abuse specialists  at a new police unit will study hundreds of hours of interviews with abusers to determine how they think & behave. The data will be used to identify behaviour patterns & to build criminal profiles. Read the full story on the BBC website

More NetIDme News

NetIDme are looking for a Senior .Net developer to join the NetIDme team in developing a suite of pioneering software products in the digital identity and communications arena.

NetIDme Vacancies

A SKY reporter has been investigating the darker side to the virtual world Second Life – and found an area called “Wonderland” that is being used by child abusers. The reporter created his own character in the virtual world to carry out his investigation over a number of months. Read the full story on SKY News

NetIDme Age Verification

NetIDme Article: Age verification expert urges gaming websites to take new gambling act seriously. All UK gaming sites must now carry out age verification checks – Read the full NetIDme article at TMCnet

NEW YORK (Reuters) – Facebook Inc, has agreed to settle a child safety probe in New York, the New York state attorney said on Tuesday.

“Social networking sites, popular among young people, have quickly gained members and appeal, but also act as a magnet for those who would prey on the young,” New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo said.

Under the terms of the settlement, Facebook has agreed to begin addressing any complaint within 24 hours of being told of inappropriate content — involving such things as nudity, profanity or harassment — by a user or e-mail correspondent.

Another study by PEW Internet this week says that 32% of online teens have been contacted by someone with no connection to them or any of their friends, and 7% of online teens say they have felt scared or uncomfortable as a result of contact by an online stranger. (See the full PEW report)

Read other NetIDme news

Social networking sites are facing increased pressure from state law enforcement officials in the US to introduce age verification technology aimed at rooting out online sexual predators. See full article.

NetIDme Age Verification