The real problem with rating the internet is that it is an international system and that what is perfectly acceptable in one country is not acceptable in others. For examply, in many European countries, sexuality is freer and European parents might not have a major problem with some sites that would shock American parents. I'm sure that on the flipside, there are somethings Americans don't care about that affect Europeans, or some other society, greatly. Does this conflict mean that each website will have a rating for American audiences, one for European audiences, one for Asian audiences and the like. This is impossible, because the makers of the site can't know the values of everyone in the world, and therefore, can't rate accurately.
There is a problem of smut on the internet, but ratings aren't the answer.
Slashdot Mirror
The real problem with rating the internet is that it is an international system and that what is perfectly acceptable in one country is not acceptable in others. For examply, in many European countries, sexuality is freer and European parents might not have a major problem with some sites that would shock American parents. I'm sure that on the flipside, there are somethings Americans don't care about that affect Europeans, or some other society, greatly. Does this conflict mean that each website will have a rating for American audiences, one for European audiences, one for Asian audiences and the like. This is impossible, because the makers of the site can't know the values of everyone in the world, and therefore, can't rate accurately.
There is a problem of smut on the internet, but ratings aren't the answer.