Beware the FCC’s New Kids-Web Rules

BEWARE THE FCC'S NEW KIDS-WEB RULES
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: Tarah Grant, attorney]
[Commentary] The FCC’s new Website-display rules, including a two-click policy, became effective Jan. 2, and Website developers need to understand them. This will be a challenge, given the FCC’s inadequate guidance. Under the new rules, broadcasters and cable operators may not display a Website address during programming directed to children age 12 and under unless the Website complies with FCC standards. The new rules seem to mandate that Website e-commerce areas are not directly accessible from the Web page whose address is displayed in the programming (that is, such commercial content must be “two clicks” away).But the FCC is vague. The FCC should follow the FTC’s lead. A “How To Design a Children’s Television Act-Compliant Website” guide, which would provide practical diagrams and hypotheticals, would be a helpful tool to broadcasters, cable operators and program producers, who could direct their Website developers to the FCC publication. They’re going to need it.
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6407357.html?display=Opinion