C. Dianne Martin and Joseph M. Reagle Jr.

In the following viewpoint, C. Dianne Martin and Joseph M. Reagle Jr. demonstrate how Internet self-rating systems, also called content advisory systems, can provide useful information on sex and violence on websites without governmental censorship. They argue that a self-rating system can protect parents and children against unwanted and offensive intrusions while preserving the freedom of website creators. Martin is president of the Recreational Software Advisory Council (RSAC) and teaches at George Washington University. Reagle represents the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and teaches at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What is the difference between a rating system and a rating service, as described by the authors?
2. According to the authors, how might cultural bias play a role...