AT&T Inc. announced last week that it is supporting of the new Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI), which was born out of the Internet Content Rating Association (ICRA) with an enhanced mission of protecting children from potentially harmful materials while preserving free expression on the Internet. AT&T, previously a member of the ICRA, will continue its leadership role in FOSI working with other companies and organizations on this global cooperative effort to increase the safety of children when they are online.
"The rapid evolution of the Internet and entertainment technology and the increasing availability of inappropriate content that can be accessed over multiple devices reinforce the importance of effectively educating parents and children to promote safe experiences online," said Dorothy Attwood, senior vice president of Regulatory Planning and Policy for AT&T. "AT&T applauds FOSI's leadership role in these education efforts and looks forward to continuing its active participation in this unique forum that encourages leaders in technology, public policy and government to collaborate on online safety issues."
The FOSI launch event today in Washington, D.C., features executives from technology and communications companies, academics, government officials and leaders from nongovernment organizations discussing how to best protect children online in a post-convergence world. Attwood is participating in a roundtable discussion titled, "The Chicken or the Egg - Which Comes First: Technology or Policy?" The launch event also includes remarks from FCC Commissioner Deborah Tate, Amanda Lenhart of the Pew Internet and American Life Project and other leaders in this arena.
"Having the support of a company like AT&T, which places the same importance on protecting children online as we do, is invaluable," said Stephen Balkam, CEO for FOSI. "AT&T and the other FOSI participants recognize the benefits of industry collaboration as a means to identify the best practices and tools to keep families safe online. We look forward to continuing our partnership with AT&T and are eager to see what solutions we can develop together."
FOSI's primary vision is to increase the safety, decrease the fear and expand the benefits of the digitally connected society, particularly for children, while protecting freedom of speech and expression. The institute will incorporate the work and mission of ICRA, becoming an umbrella body that promotes dialogue and discussion among leaders in government and technology on issues concerning family online safety.
Read more in the AT&T press release.
