FOSI Hosts Forum on Online Safety and Privacy in Brussels with Industry Leaders and the European Union

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – The Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI) today announced that it will be leading an interactive forum to discuss important issues highlighted by the European Union's CEO Coalition 'to make the Internet a better place for kids.' The event, taking place in the European Parliament in Brussels, will explore online safety issues with the European Commission, European Parliament, key industry players and civil society.

This informal dialogue between EU institutions, industry and the non-profit sector will encompass a range of issues including current EU initiatives, the global nature of the problems and current international responses. It will also focus on the importance of effective legislation and industry self-regulation with the aim of crafting a global response to ensure children have safe and private experiences online.

"This is a particularly timely discussion as Europe is so active right now in regards to online safety," said Stephen Balkam, CEO of FOSI. "Through this forum, we will provide a unique convening role by bringing together industry, government and nonprofits to innovate and collaborate in this space."

"FOSI has always placed emphasis on bringing together multiple perspectives to the online safety discussion. This leads to a more holistic perspective and approach to family online safety and privacy," said Richard Allan, Director of Policy Europe at Facebook. "Facebook is pleased to assist in this mission by sponsoring this event in Brussels."

The European Union's CEO Coalition previously agreed to focus on reporting tools, age-appropriateness in privacy settings, content classification, availability of parental controls, and effective takedown of child abuse material. Recently, the European Commission outlined a strategy to develop educational online content for children and to raise awareness of online safety in schools within the EU. This event will enable industry, the Commission and Parliament to further their dialogue around these stated objectives and to determine how best to work together to ensure safe and positive online experiences.

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 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 members include: AOL, AT&T, BAE Systems Detica, BT Retail, Comcast, Disney, Entertainment Software Association, Facebook, France Telecom, Google, GSM Association, Microsoft, Motion Picture Association of America, NCTA, Nominum, Optenet, RuleSpace, Sprint, Symantec, Time Warner Cable, Telecom Italia, Telefónica, TELMEX, USTelecom, The Wireless Foundation, Verizon and Yahoo!.