Federal Communications Commission V-Chip Task Force
  
  
     The V-Chip is a powerful tool that allows parents to block television programming that
  they believe may be harmful to their children.  In 1998, the Commission adopted rules requiring
  half of all new television sets with screens 13" or greater to be equipped with a V-Chip as of July
  1, 1999 and that all such sets be equipped with a V-Chip as of January 1, 2000.  The Commission
  also found acceptable a voluntary industry system standard for rating video programming that
  contains violent, sexual or other material about which parents should be informed. 
  
       To ensure that the V-Chip is available to help parents direct their children's television
  viewing, Federal Communications Commission Chairman William E. Kennard established a V-
  Chip Task Force, to be chaired by Commissioner Gloria Tristani.  The Task Force will work with
  equipment manufacturers, cable and broadcast programming producers, parents and other groups
  to ensure the effective implementation of the V-Chip.  
  
  The Task Force will: 
  
     ¨ Ensure that the V-Chip Works.  The Task Force will take steps to see that the
     blocking technology is available and working in a timely manner.  In particular, the
     Task Force will ensure that (1) manufacturers meet the July 1, 1999 and January 1,
     2000 deadlines for the V-Chip to be installed in new TV sets; and (2) video
     programming distributors are actually encoding ratings information in conformance
     with the voluntary industry ratings system. 
  
     ¨ Educate Parents About the V-Chip. The Task Force will disseminate information to
     parents about the industry rating system and how the V-Chip can be used to block
     programming that they find objectionable. In addition, the Task Force will promote
     the availability of ratings information through magazines, newspapers and television. 
  
     ¨ Encourage Labeling V-Chip Equipped Sets. The Task Force will encourage
     adoption of a standard label to identify those television sets or set-top boxes
     containing the V-Chip.
  
     ¨ Encourage Distribution of Point of Sale Information. The Task Force will
     encourage retailers and manufacturers to provide information and instruction on the
     operation of the V-Chip where sets are sold. 
  
     ¨ Information Gathering.  The Task Force will gather information on the availability,
     usage and effectiveness of the V-Chip.
  
     ¨ Coalitions and Partners.  The Task force will work with a range of industry
     organizations and other associations including National Association of Broadcasters,
     National Cable Television Association, Motion Picture Association of America,
     Consumer Electronics Manufacturers Association, KIDSNET, Center for Media
     Education, Kaiser Family Foundation, Children Now, National Education Association
     and the American Psychological Association.