Global TLDs should be for categorizing content based on **OBJECTIVE** criteria. There's
*no* way to objectively categorize what's suitable for children and what's not on
a *global* basis - which is what their submitted application for .KIDS would attempt
to do.If their .KIDS application were to be approved, the Registry (namely this
company) would be able to restrict and limit content for the ENTIRE WORLD based on
their value judgements which would not reflect that of the whole world - for example
nudity here in the States is often considered taboo, but not so in parts of Europe
and Asia.
As far as the .KIDS TLD being used only for optional filtering...well,
anyone with a knowledge of history knows that what starts as optional quickly becomes
mandatory. Case in point are various state and Federal mandates and regulations here
in the United States requiring the use of filtering software on computers in schools,
libraries, etc to censor materials *even to adults* in many instances.
Global TLDs
need to be inclusive, NOT restrictive which is what their proposed .KIDS TLD would
be. Thus Blueberry Hill Communications, Inc.'s .KIDS application should be denied.
Ron
Bennett
bennett@wyomissing.com