NTC releases rules on cable TV "chatrooms"

By Alexander F. Villafania INQ7.net

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) yesterday released new guidelines on the management of increasingly popular “chatrooms” on cable TV channels, after receiving user complaints of vulgarity.

Cable TV chatrooms are interfaces in TV programs that show uploaded mobile text messages, which can be read by the viewing public. These chatrooms allow viewers to interact with one another or post messages.

The NTC is requiring all cable TV operators to utilize the automated filter dictionary (AFD), software that scans for pre-determined words and automatically blocks messages with vulgar content.

The NTC is also requiring all operators to have an administrator to manage the AFD and oversee the operation of chatrooms. Chatrooms are also ordered to have advisories restraining users from sending malicious messages.

While the new NTC memorandum covers only cable TV operators, it does not cover free broadcast TV stations that also feature chatrooms in some of their shows