CYBERSPACE – Non-profit organization WRAAC.org has announced the release of the “ParentalControl Bar,” a free, downloadable web filter designed to help parents shield their children from sexually explicit websites.WRAAC.org, a member of the Free Speech Coalition (FSC), launched a beta version of the ParentalControl Bar earlier this summer, a test release which has been downloaded more than 17,000 times without the backing of a major advertising campaign, according to CNET.com

“We have received many positive emails from parents around the world supporting the concept of free parental controls,” said Jeff Young, WRAAC President, in a statement released today.

“We simply label the content and nature of the most popular websites on the internet,” added Young. “This data (together with a simple, free browser filtering tool) empowers parents to make their own decision on the forms of content that enters the home.”

The ParentalControl Bar has received a strong thumbs-up from the FSC, which distributed today’s press release.

“We support the use of end-user filtering tools,” said Michelle Freridge, Executive Director of the FSC. “These tools allow the consumer to decide what is appropriate and not appropriate for themselves and their children, rather than relying on the government or third party to make such personal moral decisions.”

Attorney Lawrence G. Walters, a member of the FSC Internet Committee and expert in adult entertainment-related legal issues, applauded WRAAC’s efforts, and noted that the clock may be running out on the opportunity for adult sites to embrace voluntary labeling measures in lieu of government-mandated filtration.

“WRAAC has donated substantial time and resources to making this project a reality. The adult Internet community (not to mention internet users generally) stands to benefit substantially from its efforts,” said Walters, adding that the “time has come for action in regards to labeling.”

“The industry cannot afford to wait another second, given the current political climate,” asserted Walters. “If webmasters are fortunate enough to dodge the bullet of mandatory labeling legislation this session, it must demonstrate that it has the issue well in hand before the government decides its fate, next term.”