Technology has given children
tools and resources in which to educate themselves that only a few years ago was
a dream. What comes with these benefits is the real danger of the society that we
live in today. Every parent fears what lies a click or two away. Let's be more direct.
Does the thought of your seven-year-old daughter inadvertently entering a child pornography
site scare you? The images on sites of this nature are upsetting for adults. Ask
yourself how a seven-year-old would process them.
I have
read most of the TLD applications and all of the .kids proposals. I believe the only
real important decision the board has to make is whether or not to approve a .kids
TLD. Most of the applications for other TLD's were well written, extremely thorough
and based on fairly sound business plans. One application is clearly the best across
all categories and is obviously the one with the best chance of succeeding, ".kids
Corp". To deny this application based on the companies failure to implement a technology
that does not exist seems ridiculous. The .kids Corp plan utilizes all technologies
that are available TODAY to give parents the best solution to a very serious problem.
I know it's impossible to protect children from every possible scenario, but it is
likely that this plan can substantially increase our odds. If .kids Corp will pursue
all available new technologies either by developing it themselves or by licensing
with the same enthusiasm and creativity visible in there application it would be
clear to all that this would be a dramatic first step.ICANN should applaud and support
the effort instead of trying to block it.
It is very easy
for a company to talk about social responsibility yet very difficult to act socially
responsible. .kids is a company in which its entire goal is to improve the safety
of the online environment for our children. This is the single most important decision
that your organization has to make. Take all the TLD's that were recommended for
approval, add .kids, then take an informal poll of your friends, family, business
associates and ask them which one is the most important to make a difference for
the world. Together ICANN and .kids Corp should meet this important issue head on.
I understand that it's a complicated situation but all things that change for the
better require hard work and tough decisions. I hope that ICANN seizes this unique
opportunity and decides to join .kids Corp in making a difference.
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