Symantec is developing a Web-based service that will let parents control almost all aspects of their child's Internet activity from anywhere in the world. Still in the demo stage and without a formal name, the application gives parents sweeping control over their child's activity. Parents can set it up so that they have to approve a new buddy for instant messaging or they can scrutinize content before it is posted to a social networking site. Symantec is terming it a "family online safety" program rather than the more negative term of "parental control" and is emphasizing that parents and kids can work together to set up these controls. The program is Web-based and can be accessed through a Web browser, so parents have control even if they're not at home. After logging in, parents can click on a tab labeled "news" and see a list of recent actions by their child. The application was rolled out within the last two weeks for Symantec employees. Down the road it will then be offered on a forthcoming Web site called the "Incubator" that Symantec plans to launch within the next two months. After that, the family online safety application will go into beta with a commercial release planned before the end of March 2009.

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