Japanese toy company Bandai has teamed up with network device maker Buffalo to develop a USB key that prevents children from accessing harmful websites, and limit their computer time. Branded with Disney characters and playing a Disney video when first plugged in, it also limits the programs a child can play. But I wonder if this conversation ever took place:
“So, you plug the USB key in, and the child can only use the computer for what we say they can.”
“Wow, that’s kind of neat. But what happens if the key isn’t plugged in?”
“Well, then the computer acts normally so the adults can access whatever they want.”
“So, what requires that the key be inserted if the child uses the computer?”
“Ummm…the parent?”
“And what if the child removes the key?”
“Ummm…”
Perhaps it would make more sense if the computer was limited UNLESS the key was inserted, and the parents keep them locked away with their guns and alcohol…
