Entertainment Software Association Joins Family Online Safety Institute

Industry trade body the Entertainment Software Association said Wednesday that it entered a partnership with the Family Online Safety Institute, which "works to make the online world safer for kids and their families." ESA CEO Michael Gallagher said in a statement, "Joining FOSI will allow our industry to share our best practices and contribute to the broader conversation on pro-family internet policies." Online interaction in games via PC or online console venues like Xbox Live and PlayStation Network has remained a gray area outside the control of the game industry's self-regulating body, the Entertainment Software Rating Board. The ESRB cannot control what people say or do online, only warning parents and users of online-enabled games that "Online Interactions [are] Not Rated by the ESRB." Video game console makers and developers have implemented parental control measures to give adults the ability to restrict online interactions for their children. "We are very excited to have ESA contribute its leadership and experience as we strive to develop effective tools, rules and educational programs to help make the internet safer,” said FOSI CEO Stephen Balkam. He added, "Video games have become a major onramp for many children and adults to enter the online world and we’re honored to have the computer and video game industry as a resource..." Other FOSI members include major companies including Yahoo!, Sprint, Facebook, AOL and Verizon.