At first, the creation of a web browser aimed at keeping children safe online seems like a good idea, but Russia’s new browser raises some concerns about censorship and who is controlling what children see online.
Russia’s “Gogul” web browser is an application that automatically filters objectionable content for children and gives parents the ability to set time limits on internet use and see detailed content of websites visited. But here is the crux: a vague government group comprised of doctors, teachers, and parents controls the content. This government-controlled group of amorphous individuals compiles a list of websites that your child can and cannot see, leaving parents without ultimate control.
Online safety is a growing concern for parents in the US, as well as the rest of the world, but taking that responsibility out of the hands of parents and putting it in the hands of government raises questions about government control and parental rights. One ominous fact: the web browser offers zero results for the search term “Putin.”
Source: http://uk.techcrunch.com/2009/08/18/gogul-a-new-browser-for-children/
Special thanks to iKeepSafe for the tip.
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