UK Web sites get mark of approval

NEWS The Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICA) has introduced a quality stamp scheme for Web sites to help online consumers avoid rogue Web traders. The scheme, called WebTrust, will operate through the ICA's network of accredited Accountancies. Any company seeking the scheme's 'seal of approval' for its site can apply for this through its accountant. A company's Web site will have to conform to a number of accreditation criteria - including being virus-free - and it must show that consumer information is kept private. Chris Swinson, president of the ICA, said the scheme is the first of its kind to hit the UK. "As far as I know, the British Standards Institution (BSI) haven't implemented anything like this, although you would expect them to," he said. Steve Tyler, a spokesman for the British Standards Institution said: "BSI is extremely interested in the area and has noticed the explosive growth of the Internet, but we can't yet say whether or not there will be an international code of practice for cyberspace." WebTrust was developed around a scheme that is already used by the US equivalent of the ICA. According to the organisation, it has received a high level of acceptance among US Web providers and operators.