For Immediate Release
August 23, 2011

The Internet Education Foundation (IEF) is pleased to announce the recent addition of Eric M. Hinkes as its 2011-2012 Legal Policy Fellow. Eric brings over 5 years of Intellectual Property and High Technology Law practice experience. Mr. Hinkes is a graduate of the Intellectual Property LL.M. program at The George Washington University Law School and completed his law degree at Santa Clara University School of Law, receiving a High Technology Law Certificate. He currently serves as an Assistant Editor to the Journal of the Patent and Trademark Office Society and previously served as a Staff Editor of the Computer and High Technology Law Journal at Santa Clara University School of Law. In addition to his law practice experience, Mr. Hinkes previously served as a Legal Fellow to Congressman Howard Berman (28th-CA), then-ranking member of the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property, and advised the Congressman on issues including Network Neutrality, Patent Reform, and Orphan Works.

“Joining IEF is an exciting move for me,” says Mr. Hinkes. “I’m thrilled to be part of a dynamic team at the IEF and look forward to contributing to its work on a number of pressing Internet issues.”

“Adding Eric Hinkes to the IEF team further strengthens our ability to contribute as a member of the Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee,” says Shane Tews, Vice President for Global Public Policy and Government Relations for VeriSign, Inc and Vice-Chair of the Internet Education Foundation Board of Directors. “I’m pleased to welcome him aboard, and I expect that his previous industry experience will be of great benefit to IEF and the Internet policy community.”

About IEF

The Internet Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public and policymakers about the potential of a decentralized global Internet to promote communications, commerce and democracy. Projects include the Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee, GetNetWise.org and Net Safety Tips On The Go. More at http://www.neted.org

Contact Tim Lordan
tlordan@neted.org
202-638-4370

Join IEF Executive Director Tim Lordan during a Twitter debate on Cybersecurity hosted by TAP featuring experts in the field [more]. The debate is on July 13 starting at 2 pm EDT. Follow and tweet using the hashtag #TAPtalk . The lineup of debaters is below (Make sure to follow them on Twitter):

• Peter Swire, TAP Scholar (@peterpswire)
• Andrea Matwyshyn, TAP Scholar (@amatwyshyn)
• Tim Lordan, Congressional Internet Caucus (@tlordan)
• George Washington University Homeland Security Policy Institute, (@HSPI)
• Ronald Marks, George Washington University Homeland Security Policy Institute (@ronamarks)
• Steve Bucci, IBM Global Services (@SBucci)

WHAT: Cybersecurity #TAPtalk

WHEN: July 13, 2011
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. EST

HOW: Follow the conversation and tweet using the hashtag #TAPtalk

This month Verizon Wireless started spotlighting Net Safety Tips On The Go, the first-ever digital safety and security advice app for Android smartphones and tablets as part of National Internet Safety Month. Net Safety Tips OTG is also featured in the Parental Controls Center, Verizon Wireless’ comprehensive website with information to help consumers manage and create a digital experience that’s just right for their families.

Net Safety Tips On The Go, developed by GetNetWise.org, is available to Verizon Wireless customers through V CAST Apps. V CAST Apps gives Verizon Wireless customers an ever-expanding selection of games, productivity tools, entertainment and news apps. We are pleased to be featured so prominently by Verizon Wireless, whose dedication to family safety and personal privacy is astonishing.

The content for Net Safety Tips OTG is contributed by three of the other premier online safety education organizations in the world — Common Sense Media, ConnectSafely.org, OnGuardOnline.gov. This innovative app makes it easy for consumers and families to keep up with mobile and online privacy, safety, and security issues using their Android smartphone or tablet. Net Safety Tips OTG is also looking for additional content partners. Contact us at info@netsafetyapp.org

If you have an Android phone or tablet download the App from the Market by searching for “Net Safety Tips.” Visit http://netsafetyapp.org/ for more information.

Additional Links

Verizon Wireless Press Release

Now Available in V CAST Apps: Net Safety Tips On The Go – The First-Ever Online Safety and Security Education App

FierceWireless Article

Verizon, Google team on Android digital safety and security app
June 20, 2011, By Jason Ankeny

First-Ever Online Safety & Security Education App Available on Smartphone Platform

Leading Internet and Technology Companies and Online Safety Advocates Launch App to Educate Users On The Go

Washington, DC – January 31, 2011 The Internet Education Foundation (IEF) today announced the launch of “Net Safety Tips On The Go” (Net Safety Tips OTG), the first-ever digital safety and security advice app for wireless users. Developed with the support of Google and Verizon, this innovative app makes it easy for consumers and families to keep up with mobile and online privacy, safety, and security issues using their Android smartphone or tablet.

The app dispenses quick, practical, friendly advice in easy-to-digest portions — one tip at a time — to help users use the Internet and smartphones safely. These tips offer information on mobile privacy and security, searching and surfing the Web safely, safeguarding your sensitive financial online information and more. The premier online safety education organizations in the world including Common Sense Media, ConnectSafely.org, OnGuardOnline.gov, and GetNetWise.org produce content to feed the app. Other leading online safety, security and privacy organizations are expected to contribute soon.

“Mobile broadband technology provides limitless opportunities for fun, education and entertainment for everyone,” said Rose Kirk, Verizon Foundation president. “To make the most of these opportunities, families need to feel comfortable online. Tools such as Net Safety Tips On The Go help provide families peace of mind, knowing they have the knowledge needed to be safe and secure in the digital world.”

Mobile app-based education allows busy people to be more personally productive during their hectic days making Net Safety OTG the perfect tool to educate them. “This app is a terrific idea, especially for people whose lives revolve around their phones,” noted Larry Magid, Internet safety pioneer and co-director of ConnectSafely.org. “Everything is going mobile, and now we have put crucial online safety and security education in the hands of anyone with an Android phone or tablet,” said Tim Lordan, IEF Executive Director.

Net Safety Tips OTG is available as a free download from the Android Market™ and is featured in the Verizon tab of the Android Market™ on Verizon Wireless smartphones. Visit http://netsafetyapp.org for more information, sample tips and download information.

Contact:  Tim Lordan
202-439-5688
tlordan@neted.org

About Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology. We exist because our kids are growing up in a culture that profoundly impacts their physical, social, and emotional well-being. We provide families with the advice and media reviews they need in order to make the best choices for their children. Through our education programs and policy efforts, Common Sense Media empowers parents, educators, and young people to become knowledgeable and responsible digital citizens. For more information, go to: http://www.commonsense.org.

About ConnectSafely

ConnectSafely (connectsafely.org) is for parents, teens, educators, advocates — everyone engaged in and interested in the impact of the social Web. The user-driven, all-media, multi-platform, fixed and mobile social Web is a big part of young people’s lives and this is the central space — linked to from social networks across the Web — for learning about safe, civil use of Web 2.0 together. ConnectSafely advises the Internet industry, other non-profits and government on best practices and policies. More at http://www.connectsafely.org

About GetNetWise.org

GetNetWise is a public service brought to you by Internet industry corporations and public interest organizations to help ensure that Internet users have safe, constructive, and educational or entertaining online experiences. GetNetWise is a project of the Internet Education Foundation. More at http://getnetwise.org

About Google

Google’s innovative search technologies connect millions of people around the world with information every day. Founded in 1998 by Stanford Ph.D. students Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google today is a top web property in all major global markets. Google’s targeted advertising program provides businesses of all sizes with measurable results, while enhancing the overall web experience for users. Google is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.google.com.

About The Internet Education Foundation

The Internet Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public and policymakers about the potential of a decentralized global Internet to promote communications, commerce and democracy. Projects include the Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee, GetNetWise.org and Net Safety Tips On The Go. More at http://www.neted.org

About OnGuardOnline.gov

OnGuardOnline.gov provides practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help you be on guard against internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information. More at http://OnGuardOnline.gov

About Verizon

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ:VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America’s most reliable wireless network, serving more than 93 million customers nationwide.  Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America’s most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers innovative, seamless business solutions to customers around the world.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 195,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of more than $107 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

The Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee is pleased to report that even after 10 years of its release the COPA Commission’s final report to Congress is still being downloaded at an astounding rate – between 700 and 1,000 copies a month. Users from all over the world are downloading the report from the COPA Commission, a congressionally appointed panel mandated by the Child Online Protection Act. The primary purpose of the Commission was to “identify technological or other methods that will help reduce access by minors to material that is harmful to minors on the Internet.” The Commission released its final report to Congress on Friday, October 20, 2000.

As a public service the Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee agreed to virtually host the deliberations of the COPA Commission on the Web site COPACommission.org. The final posting to the site was the actual COPA Commission final report making it available for download. In the subsequent 10 years it is estimated that close to 150,000 copies of the report have been downloaded. The Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee‘s contribution to the COPA COmmission’s legacy is especially important since only handfuls of the original report were actually printed due to budget constraints.

Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee Chairman Jerry Berman served as a COPA Commission commissioner. Executive Director Tim Lordan served on a more recent Congressionally appointed blue ribbon panel called the Online Safety and Technical Working Group (OSTWG). That commission sent its report to Congress in June of 2010.

Leading Internet Policy Conference, Sponsored by Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee, Will Feature Comcast Chairman and CEO Brian L. Roberts

Conference registration is open. REGISTER NOW!

On Wednesday, January 27, 2010, the Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee will host the sixth annual State of the Net Conference, the largest and most influential Internet policy conference in the country. The conference, which will bring together technology policy experts and industry leaders, is the only tech policy conference routinely recognized for its balanced blend of academics, consumer groups, industry and government (over 50% of the 550 attendees in 2009 were government policy staff).

The 2010 conference will include senior government officials, who will be introduced by Congressman Rick Boucher (D-VA), the Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet. The luncheon keynote will feature a discussion on the future of broadband with Brian L. Roberts, Chairman and CEO of Comcast Corporation. The conference will also feature a keynote by Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) and sessions on the top-tier technology policy issues including broadband deployment, antitrust, cyber security, copyright, privacy and cloud computing to name a few. More information about the conference and the full agenda can be found at http://www.netcaucus.org/conference/2010/.

What: 6th Annual State of the Net Conference

When: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, Wednesday, January 27, 2010 (Pre-Conference Communications Seminar on January 26, 2010).

Where: Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill, 400 New Jersey Avenue, NW

Panel Sessions Include:

• Online Copyright Piracy
• Antitrust in the Internet Era
• Cyber Security and Cyber War
• Legislating Online Privacy
• Internet Global Freedom (The Judith Krug Memorial Intellectual Freedom Panel)
• Can the Internet Save the Planet with Smart Grid?
• The Liability Exemption of ISPs: Can Section 230 Hold Up Under Pressure?

Speakers to include:

• Jerry Berman, Chairman, Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee
• The Honorable Rick Boucher (D – Virginia), Co-Chair, Congressional Internet Caucus
• James Brokenshire, Member of Parliament, United Kingdom
• Philip Dunne, Member of Parliament, United Kingdom
• The Honorable Bob Goodlatte (R – Virginia), Co-Chair, Congressional Internet Caucus
• Roberta Katz, U.S. Department of Justice
• Edward Tsang Lu, Google
• Brian L. Roberts, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Comcast Corporation
• John Robertson, Member of Parliament, United Kingdom
• Catherine Sandoval, Santa Clara University School of Law
• The Honorable John Thune, (R-SD), U.S. Senate, Co-Chair, Congressional Internet Caucus
• Gerry Waldron, Staff Director, House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming
• Phil Willis, Member of Parliament, United Kingdom, Chairman Select Committee, Science & Technology
• Derek Wyatt, Member of Parliament, United Kingdom
• And more to be announced.

This is a widely attended event hosted by the Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee (ICAC), part of a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. The ICAC is a private sector organization comprised of public interest groups, trade associations, non-profits, and industry leaders. The diversity of ICAC membership ensures that all educational events and initiatives are fair and balanced forums for Internet-related discussion. The ICAC does not promote any particular policy position.

Contact Cat Parsons Matsuda with questions or inquiries about sponsorship at 202-638-4370, ext. 319 for more information.

Washington, D.C. – The Co-Chairs of the Congressional Internet Caucus have announced Senator John Thune (R-SD) as the newest Co-Chair of the prominent bipartisan and bicameral Member organization, focused on educating Congress about the promise and potential of the Internet. Senator Thune will discuss his technology-focused vision during the opening keynote speech at the inaugural State of the Mobile Net Conference on April 23, in Washington, D.C.

As a Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Senator Thune has shown leadership on Capitol Hill by promoting the growth and continued innovation of broadband technologies and the Internet. Thune has continued to promote a regulatory framework that protects the openness and sustained advancement of the Internet. Senator Thune has sponsored legislation to promote the critical advancement of health information technology, better e-government, deployment of rural broadband and protection of youth online.

Thune ascends as a Co-Chair of the Congressional Internet Caucus — joining Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Congressman Rick Boucher (D-VA), and Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) — on the eve of its 13-year anniversary.

“Senator Thune has a great track record of encouraging innovation in technology, while balancing privacy protections and concerns,” said Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee chairman Jerry Berman.  “As the newest Co-Chair of the Congressional Internet Caucus the senator will bring to bear his expertise and business acumen on key policy issues that are currently challenging Congress.”

Thune will join a distinguished list of technology experts and prominent speakers at the State of the Mobile Net Conference.  The senator’s conference keynote will follow an introduction by Congressman Bob Goodlatte, Co-Chairman, Congressional Internet Caucus.

#  #  #

Event Information:
When: Thursday, April 23 – keynote begins after lunch
Where: Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill, 400 New Jersey Avenue NW
RSVP: Please visit www.netcaucus.org/conference/2009/sotmn/ Registration is complimentary for credentialed members of the media.
For more information Contact: Stephanie Tackach, 908.230.8091

Today the Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee (ICAC) posted the audio transcript of its latest Congressional Briefing, “Anatomy of Online Advertising: Understanding the Privacy Debate.” The ICAC hosted the briefing on the morning of March 30, 2009 in the U.S. Capitol Building, Capitol Visitors Center Meeting Room South. The audio file can be downloaded from the ICAC web site at http://www.netcaucus.org/events/2009/privacyanatomy/ The page also features a description of the briefing as well as a list of panelists.

Tim Lordan, Executive Director of GetNetWise.org, discusses the availability of personal information at many sites on the internet. Lordan advises consumers to put some limits on “offline” information and how to protect themselves on social networking sites. The conversation with Of Consuming Interest’s Shirley Rooker is podcast on WTOP’s Web site. Visit WTOP’s audio center for a limited time to play the audio of the broadcast or download the MP3 from their podcast RSS.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration appointed IEF Executive Director Tim Lordan to the NTIA’s Online Safety and Technology Working Group that was established as part of the “Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act.” In the appointment letter dated April 1, 2009 NTIA Acting Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information Anna Gomez noted “President Obama recognizes the importance of protecting the safety and privacy of our children as they explore the riches of the Web. The President is also committed to helping parents better understand what content their children will see and to ensuring that they have the tools to respond.” Executive Director Lordan enthusiastically accepted the appointment.