PICS

In computing, method of classifying data according to its content. Under PICS, the creator and the reader of a file can add descriptive electronic labels to it, making it possible for users to sort documents according to keywords on the label. The system, introduced in 1996, aims to help parents to control what their children can see on the Internet, for example by blocking access to pornographic or violent material; it also enables people to highlight subjects in which they are especially interested.