Windows Vista parental controls leverage User Account Control (UAC) functionality. Administrators (e.g., parents, guardians) may set up individual users (e.g., children) under limited UAC accounts. Safety features are then set on an individual user basis, and include:

• Web filter: Windows Vista editions for home include a web filter with standard settings (high, medium, low). These settings are clearly defined (e.g., the high setting only allows websites clearly identified as appropriate for children, as well as those that an administrator allows); settings can be customized as well (e.g., no hate speech, no unrated sites).
  
  The Windows Vista web filter can be replaced by other third party filters, and even be accessed through the centralized Windows Vista parental control console if that ISV utilizes the available Windows Vista API.
  
  
• Time limits: UAC accounts can be blocked from using a PC during specified periods of time.
  
  
• Game filter: UAC accounts can be prevented from playing games with specified ratings, or unrated games. Game ratings are from the prevailing industry rating organization for a region. For example, the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) is prevailing rating body for the United States and Pan European Game Information (PEGI) is the prevailing rating system in Europe.
  
  
• Program blocking: UAC accounts can be prevented from running specified applications.

The Windows Vista parental controls operate with an “overt, not covert” approach. Users see an icon display letting them know when a user account is subject to parental controls, and receive an error message informing them that parental controls are blocking an activity when attempting a restricted action. Activity reporting is also available in Windows Vista, and can be used to facilitate dialog between parents and children. Activity from partner software applications can also be logged and monitored through centralized Windows Vista reporting, when ISVs utilize the available Windows Vista API.

With respect to other family safety functionality referenced in the inventory above, Windows Vista Home Premium and Ultimate Editions include an integrated media center that provides family safety features for audio-visual content. The Windows Vista Media Center leverages Microsoft IPTV platform technology to provide blocking mechanisms for audio-visual content (excluding music) with specified ratings in the same manner described in Error! Reference source not found.. Finally, Windows Vista leverages Windows Live OneCare Family Safety for web-based contact management.

In summary, Windows Vista offers unprecedented breath in terms of tools and functionality. It also is designed to support, through a variety of APIs, other partner software applications with family safety functionality. Microsoft is working with various organizations to help them generate prescriptive guidance and tools appropriate for a wide variety of value systems.

More information on Windows Vista parental controls can be found by clicking here

Thomas Myrup, EU Policy Manager Microsoft - Corporate Affairs Europe