First Chat Rooms with Age Control by Means of Identity Card

(PRWEB) September 24, 2005 -- The Safer Chat system was subjected to its maiden launch in Belgium. It is a joint initiative of the federal government, the most important Internet Service Providers and several software developers. As the age of the chatting children is checked by means if their ID-cards, paedophiles will no longer be able to falsely adopt a younger age.

How does it work?

- Children aged from 12 to 15 receive an electronic identity card with a chip from the federal government (this card will become the standard for all Belgian citizens);
- in order to gain access to a protected chat room, the ID-card is put in a reader to control the age of the child;
- and finally the user confirms his/her presence behind the keyboard by entering a secret PIN-code.

When all data correspond, the child is allowed to enter the protected chat room. This electronic ID control cannot be skirted because the user must have both the card and the PIN-code to his/her disposal. To encourage the use of this system, all 12 year olds (120.000 youngsters) receive a free e-card reader.

Need more information, an interview or graphic materials? Please contact:

Alain Thys
Futurelab, coordinator Safer Chat Project
0032-497-403415