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 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.

The GetNetWise Blog is a new, periodic instructional blog dedicated to helping families and computer users make their Internet use safer and more rewarding. The GNW Blog will draw from the tremendous encyclopedic resources available at GetNetWise and provide actionable tips on Internet safety and security. The Blog will also present the many instructional Internet safety “how-to” video tutorials featured on GetNetWise with additional notes and context.

The Internet has transformed our lives and the lives of our children. The core mission of the GNW Blog is to empower users to harness the power of the Internet and provide them the basic literacy skills need to do so safely, privately and securely. The GNW Blog offers only help and instruction, not value judgments. We hope you will become regular readers and refer your friends, families and colleagues to the blog.

Please visit the GetNetWise Blog at http://www.getnetwise.org/blog/ that already contains two entries complete with video tutorials: the first one on using password protection in Apple OS X, and another on making social networking sites more private. Be sure to add our RSS feed to your preferred RSS reader.

Yesterday National Public Radio aired a pair of very balanced stories on middle and high school students’ expectations of online privacy and attitudes toward safety. The pieces were very balanced and also provided parents help in dealing with their kids’ online experiences. The second segment of the show directed parents to GetNetWise.org for advice. Over the years we have spent a great deal of time addressing the issues related to the churning state of youth expectations of privacy. GetNetWise’s Social Networking Spotlight helps parents can learn more about making social networking profiles more private.

NPR’s Two Part Series:

* Digital Culture: Teens Take Advantage of Online Privacy Tools (6:37)
* Digital Culture: Teens’ Online “Friends” Often Number in the Hundreds (6:13)