Else Duff, ASACP's manager of communications and government affairs, told XBIZ that it's unclear whether National Internet Safety Month was created to raise awareness of the issue or rather to promote government regulation of online content — but there's no question as to the importance of protecting children.
"None of us can argue the importance of generating awareness regarding protecting children on the Internet," Duff said. "That’s why ASACP’s Label with RTA Day offers a clear message and a concise course of action [for the adult industry] to enable parents to protect children from accessing age-inappropriate content online."
ASACP Executive Director Joan Irvine told XBIZ that she is thrilled with the adult industry's response to Label With RTA Day, and that ASACP not only received immense positive feedback, but it also helped many websites implement the RTA tag today.
"It was the perfect way to kick off National Internet Safety Month by showing the adult industry’s commitment to protecting children," Irvine said.
Whether the rest of the Internet community is aware of National Internet Safety Month is another question. Online technology journal Ars Technica performed a brief survey of readers to see how informed the public is of this month's theme — less than 20 percent of readers had any idea.
"Unfortunately we have no information about what efforts are being put into promoting National Internet Safety Month," Duff said, "and it's hard to predict how much media attention will be given to it. However it's good to see the adult industry media picking up and giving attention to such an important topic.
"We hope that this month will help spotlight the adult industry's efforts to protecting children."