This chapter analyzes co-regulatory bodies ICSTIS, IMCB, ATVOD, NICAM and PEGI. The rating schemes for mobile phone, video online and computer games content derive from ‘purer’ forms of self-regulation but have morphed into a much more institutional form, while ICSTIS and NICAM are statute-derived co-regulators.

While standards and critical Internet resources are (at least in their extent) unique self- or co-regulatory institutions, there are many examples in content/applications and services delivered via the Internet which one could say are ???converging??? on the Internet. They raise regulatory problems which are created by the differing characteristics of the Internet compared to earlier media for which the regulatory regime was designed. Prior media were largely domestic, closed to interference, and therefore the content was ???certified???, protected and complied with cultural standards, norms and laws of the sovereign. In addition, these purely domestic ???receivers??? (rather than users) could not generate and mix content themselves, nor send it via p2p networks, nor communicate anonymously, nor send bulk communications virtually without cost. Signii cant dif erences exist between broadcast, mass print publishing services and the Internet.