ICRA is an acronym that stands for the Internet Content Rating Association. It is a global non-profit organization that specializes in providing content ratings and advisory services to help individuals, particularly parents and guardians, make informed decisions about the suitability of online content for different age groups.
ICRA was founded in 1994 as a response to the growing concerns regarding the availability of potentially harmful or inappropriate content on the internet, especially for children and young users. The organization developed the ICRA rating system, which allows website owners and content providers to voluntarily rate their content based on categories such as violence, nudity, and language.
The ICRA rating system uses a standardized set of descriptors and symbols to indicate the level of potentially objectionable material present in a website or online content. These ratings enable users to filter and control the type of content that can be accessed on their devices or networks. Additionally, ICRA offers free software tools, such as the ICRAplus filter, which can be used in conjunction with web browsers to enforce content filtering based on the ICRA ratings chosen by the user or administrator.
By providing a framework for content labeling and filtering, ICRA aims to empower individuals to make choices that align with their personal values and protect young users from encountering inappropriate material online. The organization continues to collaborate with industry partners, governments, and advocacy groups to promote responsible internet usage and enhance online safety.
