After CDA ruling, Net polices itself

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In addition, the Federal Trade Commission this month agreed not to impose regulations governing the Internet for at least six months because the technology is moving so fast, according to executives of parental-control software firms. Other regulatory bodies, including the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Reserve Board, and the Securities and Exchange Commission, have also deferred to self-imposed standards in some cases.

In the corporate sector, Microsoft and Netscape Communications have taken active roles in pursuing the formation and adherence to the PICS standard. Both software giants have agreed to embed support for PICS in future versions of the Internet Explorer and Navigator browsers for the Web.

"This is going to be one of the ways that Web sites can make their information available to the public and ensure that the appropriate people are viewing that information so in fact playboy.com is implementing PICS 1.0," said Paul Balle, product manager for the Microsoft's Internet Explorer Team. "If you use Internet Explorer 3.0, you could set ratings and effectively block someone from viewing the playboy.com page."

With so many interests at work against the exposure of offensive material--from politics and morality to the simple bottom line--many Netizens are confident that cyberspace can be made safe for minors and everyone else.

Soular, for one, can't wait. "It's the dream of every musician to communicate with the entire world," said the Southern California entrepreneur, who plays both the guitar and the piano. "And with every minute, my daughter is missing a chance to surf the Net."

[C|NET SPECIAL REPORT: CDA rejected in landmark ruling | Decision may not be appealed | Supreme Court would likely back ruling | CDA supporters vow to fight | Netizens rejoice on newsgroups | Timeline tracks law's path | Attorney assessments on CNET radio]

The full text of the Communications Decency Act ruling is available on the Electronic Privacy Information Center and the ACLU Web sites. A complete listing of recent First Amendment and other cases decided by the Supreme Court is available through a searchable index maintained by Case Western Reserve. An archive of RealAudio files of Supreme Court oral arguments and opinions can be heard at Northwestern University's Academic Technologies Department.