FOSI Hosts Euro Forum to Tackle Online Safety and Privacy Concerns

DUBLIN, IRELAND - In conjunction with Europe's Year of Citizens, the Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI) will host its Annual European Forum. The event convenes leaders from industry, government, academics and NGOs to focus on online safety, privacy issues and data protection.

The Forum, taking place at Google's EMEA headquarters in Dublin, will feature keynote remarks from U.K. Member of Parliament Claire Perry, who will address the importance of exchanging ideas to advance online safety in Europe. Frances Fitzgerald, Ireland's Minster for Children and Youth Affairs will also speak at the event. Fitzgerald is a strong advocate in Ireland for children's online safety.

At this event, FOSI will introduce their latest initiative, A Platform for Good (PFG), to a European audience. This innovative website allows parents, teachers and teens to connect, share and do good online with the goal of empowering young people and creating a sense of digital citizenship for all.

"Hosting the event in Ireland this year is especially important since Ireland currently has the EU presidency and FOSI can align Europe's 2013 Year of Citizens with our focus on technology. We are delighted to be in Dublin to discuss these important topics," said Stephen Balkam, CEO of FOSI.

"At Facebook we believe that safety is a shared responsibility. We are delighted to be part of FOSI's European Forum here in Dublin, which is also the home of Facebook's international headquarters. Through the Platform for Good, FOSI is providing an open resource with the tools, ideas and inspiration to help us all promote the positive uses of technology," said Richard Allan, Chairman of the FOSI Board and European Policy Director at Facebook.

About FOSI
The Family Online Safety Institute is an international, non-profit organization that works to make the online world safer for kids and their families. FOSI convenes leaders in industry, government and the non-profit sectors to collaborate and innovate new solutions and policies in the field of online safety. Through research, resources, events and special projects, FOSI promotes a culture of responsibility online and encourages a sense of digital citizenship for all. FOSI's membership includes 30 of the leading Internet and telecommunications companies around the world.