FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
October 25, 20 II
JULIUS GENACHOWSKI
CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Joe Baca
U.S. Ilouse of Representatives
2366 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Baca:
Thank you [or your letter concerning the potentially detrimental effects ofviolent video
games on young people. I understand and appreciate your concerns.
The Commission has devoted considerable time to compiling data and information to
help inform parents, teachers, and children on ways to reap the benefits ofdigital media while
minimizing the risks. In a March 2009 Notice ofInquiry, the Commission sought comment on
whether it should exanline methods ofcontrolling access to video games as part of its Child Safe
Viewing Act (CSVA) proceeding. Many comments point to jurisdictional impediments to
including video games within the CSVA proceeding.
We continue to work with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on child safety issues.
The FTC has an ongoing initiative on marketing violent content to children - including video
games - that contains reports, surveys, and resources for parents on ratings systems. We will
continue to work with the FTC on these issues and certainly take into account the views
expressed in your letter.
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be ofany further
assistance.
Sincer Iy,
\; 'julius Genachowski
445 121>< STREET S W WASHINGTON. D.C 20554 • 202-418-1000