Calling it the Code of Ethics & Best Practices, the FSC is proposing, among many items, that adult business owners register their websites with organizations such as Family.net, Bsecure Protection Products, WebBlock, AOL Parent Controls and SafeBrows.
The FSC also recommends that adult company owners label their websites with text that triggers protective tools from the above products, as well as self-label through ICRA (Internet Content Rating Association) and other labeling methods.
Additionally, the FSC’s Code of Ethics & Best Practices recommends using age verification methods and empowerment tools that allow individuals to filter, block, or monitor Internet access on their own computers, which the FSC says is one of the most effective methods of protecting children from viewing inappropriate material on the Internet without compromising free speech rights.
FSC Executive Director Michelle Freridge described the development of the Code of Ethics & Best Practices as a work in progress, and said that despite the image the mainstream media has affixed to the adult industry, the majority of adult businesses are run by ethical, law-abiding people.
Tom Hymes told XBIZ that the draft of the Code of Ethics & Best Practices, which already received feedback from several industry leaders, reflects an idealized standard the FSC hopes will be broadly adapted by its membership and other members of the adult industry.
“As the trade association for the industry, it is our responsibility to provide leadership through the development of consistent ethical standards and by describing responsible best practices, many of which are already in use by adult businesses,” Freridge said. “We look forward to continued input from the industry as we work together to develop a Code of Ethics and Best Practices we can all be proud of.”
An open comment period on the FSC’s proposed draft will run until Sept. 30, during which time meta-tagging, industry self-labeling and voluntary self-rating strategies will be discussed.
The FSC expects to have a final draft presented to the board by September and then a final version by November.