PAS 74:2008

What is this PAS about?

PAS 74 aims to make the UK the safest place in the world for children to use the Internet. It does so by setting out minimum performance requirements for access control systems which can in turn be used to obtain third-party conformity certification.

Who is this PAS for?

It is primarily for use by software developers working with access control systems, but will also be of interest to parents and other carers.

Why should you use this PAS?

It 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:

• Ease of installation, configuration and use
• Effectiveness
• Minimum features
• Ease of updating
• Quality of instructions
• 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:

• Block inappropriate content
• Block communications via Internet-based services that are inappropriate
• Prevent unauthorized users from changing or disabling the access control settings
• 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
• Configure the product or service where such a capability is offered
• Remain up to date (within the terms of any licensing or subscription requirements