PAS 74:2008

This standard PAS 74:2008 Internet safety. Access control systems for the protection of children online. Specification is classified in these ICS categories:

• 35.030 IT Security
• 35.080 Software

This Publicly Available Specification specifies requirements for products, services, tools and other systems that allow UK adult Internet users to easily control children's access to inappropriate Internet-based content and services.

It specifies requirements on:

1. ease of installation, configuration and use;
2. effectiveness;
3. minimum features;
4. ease of updating;
5. quality of instructions;
6. consumer communications and support.

By using a certified product or service, parents/carers will have confidence in the ability of the access control system to:

1. block inappropriate content (see Clause 4);
2. block communications via Internet-based services that are inappropriate (see Clause 5);
3. prevent unauthorized users from changing or disabling the access control settings (see Clause 6);
4. provide an appropriate level of protection (as specified by this PAS) upon implementation/installation either through the use of default settings or configuration in accordance with user documentation (see Clause 7);
5. configure the product or service where such a capability is offered (see Clause 8);
6. remain up to date (within the terms of any licensing or subscription requirements) (see Clause 9).

Furthermore, where the access control system can be installed, parents/carers will have confidence in their ability to uninstall/remove the product or service (see Clause 10).

By using a certified product or service, parents/carers will:

1. have confidence in the ability to obtain suitable system support should they encounter problems with implementing, maintaining or installing/removing the access control system (see Clause 11);
2. have confidence in the level and quality of information they will receive in the product description and user documentation provided with the product or service and will have confidence in the quality of the instructions to enable them to effectively install and configure the access control system to an effective level of protection (see Clause 12);
3. have access to user education materials providing information and links to information that enable parents/carers and children to stay informed of the issues and risks of using the Internet (see Clause 13).