Finally, Kids Can Surf Alone

Citing studies that claim 19% of Web surfers ages 10 to 17 are the targets of unwanted sexual solicitation, the feds are taking action. Congress has passed the Dot Kids Implementation And Efficiency Act of 2002, which will create an Internet domain for Web sites containing material appropriate for children.

Sites that qualify for the ".kids" domain registry must serve the educational, social, emotional, or entertainment needs of minors and mustn't be psychologically or intellectually inappropriate, according to the bill. Children will be able to participate in instant messaging, E-mail, and chat-room exchanges that meet certification guidelines. They'll be blocked from accessing sites outside the domain. Now this is a Big Brother we all can live with.