Tuesday, November 25, 2008
The Prairie Chicken: A town fights back in MySpace suicide case
Megan Meier timeline.The Prairie Chicken: A town fights back in MySpace suicide case
Sunday, November 23, 2008
teen suicide in Florida - are there legal ramifications for the site or viewers/
The Communications Decency Act limits a service provider's liability for what is posted or what actions are taken on their site that they have not intended or controlled. And, in the US, we do not require that bystanders take action to help others when they need help. But morally, someone should have done something. WiredTrust.com is a new company that advises web 2.0 businesses how to deal with situations like a user threatened or webcast suicide.
Watch CBS Videos Online
Watch CBS Videos Online
Saturday, November 22, 2008
ABC News: Florida Teen Live-Streams His Suicide Online
Parry covers this issue, explaining the limited libaility of website and the lack of training within the networks ot deal with these emerging issues. WiredTrust.com offers training to website risk managers and moderators on handling high risk cases online.ABC News: Florida Teen Live-Streams His Suicide Online
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Jury in MySpace Cyberbullying Trial Might Not Be Told Of Teen's Suicide | Threat Level from Wired.com
this is a confusing case, but one that calls out for justice.
Jury in MySpace Cyberbullying Trial Might Not Be Told Of Teen's Suicide | Threat Level from Wired.com
Jury in MySpace Cyberbullying Trial Might Not Be Told Of Teen's Suicide | Threat Level from Wired.com
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Halloween argument leads teens to online harassment
Halloween argument leads teens to online harassment
The NH Attorney General cares about the issue of cyberbullying. I hope to work with her to develop some substantial projects for the state. I admire her work substantially.
The NH Attorney General cares about the issue of cyberbullying. I hope to work with her to develop some substantial projects for the state. I admire her work substantially.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
ABC News: Inside the Minds of Teens Who Post Sexual Images of Themselves
Ohio teen is arrested for posting and distributing nude pictures of herself.ABC News: Inside the Minds of Teens Who Post Sexual Images of Themselves
Sunday, October 19, 2008
McAfee® - about - McAfee Inc. Taps Parry Aftab as Its Family Internet Safety Advisor
I have recently begun consulting with McAfee about cybersafety issues for families and consumers. I hope to tap their extensive expertise in the security software arena to help design improved solutions for families online. I continue to work with all of my clients in the field and advise many leaders in the industry, as well as run WiredSafety.org.
I look forward to this next year and getting the power of McAfee focused on family tools and education.McAfee® - about - McAfee Inc. Taps Parry Aftab as Its Family Internet Safety Advisor
I look forward to this next year and getting the power of McAfee focused on family tools and education.McAfee® - about - McAfee Inc. Taps Parry Aftab as Its Family Internet Safety Advisor
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Features | SignOnSanDiego.com | The San Diego Union-Tribune -- Class acts
our stop, block and tell is catching on....stopcyberbullying.orgFeatures | SignOnSanDiego.com | The San Diego Union-Tribune -- Class acts
Thursday, September 04, 2008
GoErie.com: Take that, big bully.
I say this over and over again. There is a difference between bullying in real space and in cyberspace. It's more than just the methods and location. Cyberspace adds the accidental component with things being misunderstood and sent to the wrong person, when a joke doesn't play well and isn't understood as a joke, etc. Unlike offline bullying, not all cyberbullying is intentional. One entire class of cyberbullies, the inadvertent cyberbully, is accidental.GoErie.com: Take that, big bully.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Friday, August 15, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Sunday, August 10, 2008
NYC’s Cyber Safety Summit « Tales of a Technology Omnivore
The event was very well attended and the kids were amazing. I hope this will inspire other cities to lead in this area.NYC’s Cyber Safety Summit « Tales of a Technology Omnivore
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Computer Liaisons Portal of Staten Island / South Brooklyn: Cybersmarts Summit 2008, Saturday, August 9th, City Hall, New York, NY
NY City Council event August 9th on cybersafety. I'll be MCing.Computer Liaisons Portal of Staten Island / South Brooklyn: Cybersmarts Summit 2008, Saturday, August 9th, City Hall, New York, NY
Monday, July 28, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
E-Commerce News: Law: Court Nixes Law Aimed at Protecting Kids Online
COPA, after floating around and wasting everyone's time for years, is finally dea. Perhaps now we can focus on fixing the problem in constitutional ways?E-Commerce News: Law: Court Nixes Law Aimed at Protecting Kids Online
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Efforts to rein in online fight videos | csmonitor.com
What wiredsafety is doing to help stop violence designed to make teens more popular online.Efforts to rein in online fight videos | csmonitor.com
Monday, July 21, 2008
Thursday, July 17, 2008
ABC News: TMI on Facebook Can Lead to ID Theft
some games are designed t grab very personal information - like your social security number!ABC News: TMI on Facebook Can Lead to ID Theft
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Hulu - Cyber-Cheating Spouses: NBC TODAY Show
Christie Brinkley's spouse was engaging in cybersex with others. Parry discusses this on the Today Show.Hulu - Cyber-Cheating Spouses: NBC TODAY Show
Friday, July 11, 2008
UNITED STATES v. WILLIAMS
US Supreme Court makes an important decision to help prevent child sexual exploitation by prohibiting the sale or distribution of virtual child pornography that holds itself out as child pornography.UNITED STATES v. WILLIAMS
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Monday, June 30, 2008
BBC NEWS | Programmes | Click | Battling the online bullies
BBC coverage of our stop cyberbullying conference airs today.BBC NEWS | Programmes | Click | Battling the online bullies
Sunday, June 29, 2008
BBC NEWS | Programmes | Click | Battling the online bullies
The BBC joined us for both days of our stop cyberbullying conference in June. If you want to see some of what went on, visit wiredsafety.org and view the webcast archives.
BBC NEWS | Programmes | Click | Battling the online bullies
BBC NEWS | Programmes | Click | Battling the online bullies
Friday, June 27, 2008
Online Magazine For TPJCians: Cyber Bullying 2.0: The Real Story
Cyberbullying and Singapore. In 1998 I began working with Singapore. It's a country that was braodband before any others. Well-mannered and well-educated children. But many were lashing out online, anonymously.Online Magazine For TPJCians: Cyber Bullying 2.0: The Real Story
Thursday, June 26, 2008
BBC NEWS | Technology | Q&A: Internet shake-up
I worry that this would become a free-for-all.BBC NEWS | Technology | Q&A: Internet shake-up
Friday, June 20, 2008
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
NewsFactor Network | MySpace Teen Suicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty
Lori Drew pleads not guilty after having given conflicting statements under oath.NewsFactor Network | MySpace Teen Suicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty
Monday, June 16, 2008
» Bebo Cyberbullying Blamed for Teen’s Death » Blog Archive Alice Hill’s Real Tech News - Independent Tech
Another teen takes his life because of cyberbullying. Although Megan Meier has become the poster child on teen cyberbullying suicides, she was not the first nor the last teen to take her own life because of cyberbullying. In the US approx 14 have committed suicide because of cyberbullying. In the UK several more have as well. In Canada, two have killed themselves and one has stabbed another and in Japan on preteen murdered another after being text-bullied.
In all cases except for Megan's kids were the bullies. In Megan's case two adults were involved, Lori Drew ( a neighorhood mom) and her babysitter, Ashley) and some teens (including Lori's daughter. Our Megan Pledge is designed to help teens understand the pain of cyberbullying, get them to seek help when victimized and give help when they see it and teaches them that suicide is never an option. You can take it at myyearbook.com/meganpledge or fan facebook.com/meganpledge.
» Bebo Cyberbullying Blamed for Teen’s Death » Blog Archive Alice Hill’s Real Tech News - Independent Tech
In all cases except for Megan's kids were the bullies. In Megan's case two adults were involved, Lori Drew ( a neighorhood mom) and her babysitter, Ashley) and some teens (including Lori's daughter. Our Megan Pledge is designed to help teens understand the pain of cyberbullying, get them to seek help when victimized and give help when they see it and teaches them that suicide is never an option. You can take it at myyearbook.com/meganpledge or fan facebook.com/meganpledge.
» Bebo Cyberbullying Blamed for Teen’s Death » Blog Archive Alice Hill’s Real Tech News - Independent Tech
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Westchester.com - Pace University Announces Online Safety Program
WiredSafety's award-winning programs to be delivered by students and faculty at Pace University. Educational and technology students will be able to earn graduate certificates and credits for work in the field of cybersafety using WiredSafety's programs.Westchester.com - Pace University Announces Online Safety Program
Monday, June 09, 2008
Love bytes: City teens post exes' nude pix
More and more kids are posting sexual images of others online. When they breakup, the private images become public and are used as a weapon to hurt their ex's.Love bytes: City teens post exes' nude pix
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Tech firms focus on cyberbullying - MaldivianDigital® :: Forum
finally cyberbullying is getting its due. With so much focussed on sexual predators online, it was always the ignored step-child of cyberrisks. Yet, our polls show that 85% of middle schoolers have been cyberbullied at least once. In a smaller poll 70% admitted ot cyberbullying others.Tech firms focus on cyberbullying - MaldivianDigital® :: Forum
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Friday, June 06, 2008
Cyberbullying is bigger threat to kids | StatesmanJournal.com | Statesman Journal
For many years wehave been wasting our breath trying to get everyone ot understand that cyberbullying and harassment affects many more children than sexual predators online. While 8 children have been murdered by someone they met online, we have had 14 suicides relating to cyberbullying. Both kill. Both are unexceptable, but now, finally, cyberbullying is the center of focus. Cyberbullying is bigger threat to kids | StatesmanJournal.com | Statesman Journal
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
ADL Recognized For Combating Cyberbullying
ADL has a great program and lots of free anti-hate and cyberbullying prevention training.ADL Recognized For Combating Cyberbullying
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Monday, June 02, 2008
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Athletic Business - the leading resource for athletic, recreation and fitness professionals
More and more, educators, coaches and school administrators have ot be aware f how easily predators can exploit their students and how easily students can ruin their reputations becasue of stupidly posting compromising pics online.Athletic Business - the leading resource for athletic, recreation and fitness professionals
Westchester.com - Cyberbullying Conference At The County Center
Packed house for International Cyberbullying Conference headed by Parry Aftab,Westchester.com - Cyberbullying Conference At The County Center
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Mom in Web bullying case turns grief into activism - Yahoo! News
Tina Meier is working tirelessly to make a difference. She runs the Megan Meier Foundation and works with us at StopCyberbullying.org and WiredSafety.org. I don't know how she does it. She always trys ot appear up and never wants others to see her breakdown. She did an extraordinary job with Megan. I wish others knew the whole story. We will try and help tell it.
Tia will be speaking at our conference Monday and Tuesday in NY. we are full both days, but you can watch it on webcast.
wiredsafety.org Mom in Web bullying case turns grief into activism - Yahoo! News
Tia will be speaking at our conference Monday and Tuesday in NY. we are full both days, but you can watch it on webcast.
wiredsafety.org Mom in Web bullying case turns grief into activism - Yahoo! News
Friday, May 30, 2008
Cyberbullying Conference - live blog by McAfee
I am very excited to include McAfee's blogger at our International StopCyberbullying Conference. We'll be taking requests from the bloggersphere during the conference, and at least one comment per panel on Tuesday. Got an opinion? Always wanted to ask the players about any of their cyberbullying positions or find out the inside story? Now's your chance. Comment on McAfee's blog and Shane might choose yours to share.Cyberbullying Conference
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
200,000 Teens Pledge to Stop Cyberbullying in Honor of Megan Meier
200,000 Teens Pledge to Stop Cyberbullying in Honor of Megan Meier Visit myyearbook.com/meganpledge to take the pledge online. Be 1 in a Million!
Monday, May 26, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
the Megan Pledge Online - at myyearbook.
take the pledge in honor of Megan Meier. Let's stop cyberbullying together!
In one day, more than 100,000 pledges were taken by people who care!
myYearbook | Megan Pledge
102,000 and counting! 10% there in one day! I can't imagine how long it will take to get us to a million!!!! Thanks to everyone who is helping make this a reality!myYearbook | Megan Pledge
Thursday, May 22, 2008
myYearbook the megan pledge home page
MyYearbook cared about the issue of cyberbullying so much that they converted their home page ot a place ot take the Megan Pledge against cyberbullying. In one day, they have 76,000 people take the pledge. we want a million. drop by myyearbook.com and take it.
Be one in a million!myYearbook | Home: "parry@aftab.com"
Be one in a million!myYearbook | Home: "parry@aftab.com"
SLJ Talks to WiredSafety's Parry Aftab about Cyberbullying - 4/16/2008 2:10:00 PM - School Library Journal
I always say, if you want to know something, ask a librarian.SLJ Talks to WiredSafety's Parry Aftab about Cyberbullying - 4/16/2008 2:10:00 PM - School Library Journal
myYearbook | Megan Pledge
21,000 and counting. MyYearbook.com is the first of many wonderful social networks to get behind the Megan Pledge program, where 1 million teens will take a pledge against cyberbullying in Megan Meier's name. She was the thirteen year old form Missouri who took her own life rather than face continued harassment at the hands of a neighborhood mom posing as a cute 16-year-old boy. Want to make a difference and take a stand against cyberbullying? Take the pledge at myyearbook.com. You can even post the ribbon graphic and link on your myspace and facebook pages.myYearbook | Megan Pledge
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
The Stop Cyberbullying Conference June 2-3, 2008 in NY
Stop Cyberbullying –
An International Conference to Address Cyberbullying, Solutions and Industry Best Practices
June 2, 2008 (White Plains, NY) and June 3, 2008 (New York City)
To pre-register online, without charge, visit WiredSafety.org or StopCyberbullying.org. Same day registrations range from $99 to $149. (Discounts for same day registration for students and educators)
About the conference, how it works and what we are planning:
At the world’s first conference dedicated entirely to the issue of cyberbullying, all stakeholders will learn everything they need to know about this digital epidemic and explore solutions. Hosted by the world’s largest and oldest cybersafety group together with Pace University and Westchester County, all aspects of cyberbullying, risk management in schools and best practices in the industry will be explored.
The entire program is broken into two very different days, each of which offers rich opportunities to address cyberbullying. Both are open to members of the general public, parents, students, educators and school administrators, mental health professionals, technology and Internet industry members, law enforcement, community groups, media representatives and governmental agencies.
On the first day a massive town meeting format will be used to bring together students, parents, teachers, librarians, school and technology administrators, governmental representatives, law enforcement, members of the media, Internet and digital technology industry members, mental health experts, community groups and safety advocates. They will work “UN expert meeting” style, to learn about cyberbullying and determine what each of these groups expects from government, education, the media and the industry.
During the plenary sessions hundreds of participants will learn and share with each other. They will interact with panels of experts and cyberbullying victims and their families. They will meet Parry Aftab’s award-winning Teenangels and Tweenangels to learn the extent of the problem. Then, breaking into three groups, based on demographics (teachers, parents and school administrators in one group, law enforcement, mental health experts, community organizations, medical experts and governmental representatives in another and industry and students in the third) the participants will work with facilitators and come up with their wishlist for media, government, schools and advocacy groups and the industry. What do they want these stakeholders to do to help?
The plenary will review each of the breakout wishlists and discuss each group’s overall expectations. In an active discussion the entire first day is devoted to framing the issues on cyberbullying and creating questions for the second day panels. Should media stop reporting about fight videos? Or does their coverage bring needed attention to the problem? What about government? Do we need more laws or just better enforcement? How can schools and mental health professionals help? And what is the industry’s role in creating safer technologies and adopting best practices? How important is that?
The second day brings the industry, government, media and other important stakeholders to the table to join the others. The facilitators for the first day will report the results to the second day plenary and four panels of experts and influencers will address the questions framed for them. They will also describe their current efforts to address the problem of cyberbullying. Beginning with students and victims and their families, the heart-wrenching stories will be shared, compelling action. Then panels of Internet industry leaders will address the questions posed for them by first day participants. They will share their perspective and the role they believe they should play in framing solutions.
This process is followed by a panel of governmental and policymaker leaders to address the wishlist from the town meeting and explain their efforts to address cyberbullying.
A luncheon program will be provided and boxed lunches will be available.
Then the conference participants will break into one of three workshops, each designed to attract a varied group of stakeholders. While the topics may change, we believe that these are the final three topics. Registrants are asked to select one upon registration. Since we will have limited space, they will be limited to the one workshop they select upon registration (unless the topics change).
Cyberbullying and the Law:
What are the laws governing cyberbullying? (How can you distinguish between rudeness and criminal harassment? What are the parents’ legal responsibilities? Do we need more laws? How should violent postings of videos be handled? Does age make a difference – cyberharassment vs. cyberbullying? How does free speech and hate speech fit into this?
Herding Cats:
Creating moderation policies, training moderators and handling cyberbullying from within the network. How do you protect kids from each other? When do you need to get law enforcement involved? How to you train moderators to be caring, without burning them out? How do you design safer networks? How do you nurture good behavior and discourage bad? How do you protect your site and users? How does cyberbullying work in gaming communities, on social networks and using mobile technologies? What resources are out there to help guide risk management and best practices for the industry? How do you identify best practices and earn the seal to show everyone your commitment to safety?
Teaching Kindness:
What educational programs are working, and which aren’t. What resources are available to provide professional development and train the trainers? Can you earn a cyberbullying certification? Collaborating with the cybersafety experts and finding the best materials to use. Using peer-counseling programs to manage cyberbullying and being innovative in approaches of risk management in schools. How do you write a cyberbullying policy and what is the reach of the school’s authority for off-premises misconduct? What do students think works? Deploying the Megan Pledge – promising to be part of the solution.
The last panel will be comprised of media and community groups to address the requests from the town meeting and to demonstrate what is out there to help spread awareness.
Awards for Excellence in Awareness will be given to a select group of outstanding non-profits and programs that are playing an important role in stopping cyberbullying.
In addition, “Cyberbullying Confessions” kiosks manned with video cameras will be placed at both conference venues to allow participants and experts to share their thinking, experiences and opinions. Select videos will be used in creating documentaries and to post at stopcyberbullying.org to help spread awareness. Exhibits will be available to certain sponsors to demonstrate their products, technologies and programs.
Students are welcome, accompanied by parents or teachers, and must be 10 or older to attend. The registration is free for pre-registered participants. Any participants seeking to join us, not having pre-registered, will be required to pay a $149 admission fee for both days, or $99 for either day. The programs may be webcast and will be recorded, along with audience participation and scan of the audience.
At the conference conclusion, WiredSafety will be creating a network of interested stakeholders to continue the work of framing the issues and forming solutions.
Our sponsors include Verizon, Microsoft, McAfee, AOL, Disney, Procter & Gamble, Girl Scouts of the USA, WiredTrust, Children’s Safety Research and Innovation Centre, KidZui.com and others. This conference is being delivered in conjunction and with the support of Pace University and The Westchester County Executive and Westchester County, NY.
An International Conference to Address Cyberbullying, Solutions and Industry Best Practices
June 2, 2008 (White Plains, NY) and June 3, 2008 (New York City)
To pre-register online, without charge, visit WiredSafety.org or StopCyberbullying.org. Same day registrations range from $99 to $149. (Discounts for same day registration for students and educators)
About the conference, how it works and what we are planning:
At the world’s first conference dedicated entirely to the issue of cyberbullying, all stakeholders will learn everything they need to know about this digital epidemic and explore solutions. Hosted by the world’s largest and oldest cybersafety group together with Pace University and Westchester County, all aspects of cyberbullying, risk management in schools and best practices in the industry will be explored.
The entire program is broken into two very different days, each of which offers rich opportunities to address cyberbullying. Both are open to members of the general public, parents, students, educators and school administrators, mental health professionals, technology and Internet industry members, law enforcement, community groups, media representatives and governmental agencies.
On the first day a massive town meeting format will be used to bring together students, parents, teachers, librarians, school and technology administrators, governmental representatives, law enforcement, members of the media, Internet and digital technology industry members, mental health experts, community groups and safety advocates. They will work “UN expert meeting” style, to learn about cyberbullying and determine what each of these groups expects from government, education, the media and the industry.
During the plenary sessions hundreds of participants will learn and share with each other. They will interact with panels of experts and cyberbullying victims and their families. They will meet Parry Aftab’s award-winning Teenangels and Tweenangels to learn the extent of the problem. Then, breaking into three groups, based on demographics (teachers, parents and school administrators in one group, law enforcement, mental health experts, community organizations, medical experts and governmental representatives in another and industry and students in the third) the participants will work with facilitators and come up with their wishlist for media, government, schools and advocacy groups and the industry. What do they want these stakeholders to do to help?
The plenary will review each of the breakout wishlists and discuss each group’s overall expectations. In an active discussion the entire first day is devoted to framing the issues on cyberbullying and creating questions for the second day panels. Should media stop reporting about fight videos? Or does their coverage bring needed attention to the problem? What about government? Do we need more laws or just better enforcement? How can schools and mental health professionals help? And what is the industry’s role in creating safer technologies and adopting best practices? How important is that?
The second day brings the industry, government, media and other important stakeholders to the table to join the others. The facilitators for the first day will report the results to the second day plenary and four panels of experts and influencers will address the questions framed for them. They will also describe their current efforts to address the problem of cyberbullying. Beginning with students and victims and their families, the heart-wrenching stories will be shared, compelling action. Then panels of Internet industry leaders will address the questions posed for them by first day participants. They will share their perspective and the role they believe they should play in framing solutions.
This process is followed by a panel of governmental and policymaker leaders to address the wishlist from the town meeting and explain their efforts to address cyberbullying.
A luncheon program will be provided and boxed lunches will be available.
Then the conference participants will break into one of three workshops, each designed to attract a varied group of stakeholders. While the topics may change, we believe that these are the final three topics. Registrants are asked to select one upon registration. Since we will have limited space, they will be limited to the one workshop they select upon registration (unless the topics change).
Cyberbullying and the Law:
What are the laws governing cyberbullying? (How can you distinguish between rudeness and criminal harassment? What are the parents’ legal responsibilities? Do we need more laws? How should violent postings of videos be handled? Does age make a difference – cyberharassment vs. cyberbullying? How does free speech and hate speech fit into this?
Herding Cats:
Creating moderation policies, training moderators and handling cyberbullying from within the network. How do you protect kids from each other? When do you need to get law enforcement involved? How to you train moderators to be caring, without burning them out? How do you design safer networks? How do you nurture good behavior and discourage bad? How do you protect your site and users? How does cyberbullying work in gaming communities, on social networks and using mobile technologies? What resources are out there to help guide risk management and best practices for the industry? How do you identify best practices and earn the seal to show everyone your commitment to safety?
Teaching Kindness:
What educational programs are working, and which aren’t. What resources are available to provide professional development and train the trainers? Can you earn a cyberbullying certification? Collaborating with the cybersafety experts and finding the best materials to use. Using peer-counseling programs to manage cyberbullying and being innovative in approaches of risk management in schools. How do you write a cyberbullying policy and what is the reach of the school’s authority for off-premises misconduct? What do students think works? Deploying the Megan Pledge – promising to be part of the solution.
The last panel will be comprised of media and community groups to address the requests from the town meeting and to demonstrate what is out there to help spread awareness.
Awards for Excellence in Awareness will be given to a select group of outstanding non-profits and programs that are playing an important role in stopping cyberbullying.
In addition, “Cyberbullying Confessions” kiosks manned with video cameras will be placed at both conference venues to allow participants and experts to share their thinking, experiences and opinions. Select videos will be used in creating documentaries and to post at stopcyberbullying.org to help spread awareness. Exhibits will be available to certain sponsors to demonstrate their products, technologies and programs.
Students are welcome, accompanied by parents or teachers, and must be 10 or older to attend. The registration is free for pre-registered participants. Any participants seeking to join us, not having pre-registered, will be required to pay a $149 admission fee for both days, or $99 for either day. The programs may be webcast and will be recorded, along with audience participation and scan of the audience.
At the conference conclusion, WiredSafety will be creating a network of interested stakeholders to continue the work of framing the issues and forming solutions.
Our sponsors include Verizon, Microsoft, McAfee, AOL, Disney, Procter & Gamble, Girl Scouts of the USA, WiredTrust, Children’s Safety Research and Innovation Centre, KidZui.com and others. This conference is being delivered in conjunction and with the support of Pace University and The Westchester County Executive and Westchester County, NY.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Friday, May 16, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Making Social Sites Safer - Forbes.com
how do you create safe social networks? one step at a time. No magic buller here...just a reality check. what are the risks, what aren't? what can we do about it? what's the best combination of awareness, education, best practices and technology? That, Dr. Watson, is the real question. :-)Making Social Sites Safer - Forbes.com
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
Virtual worlds for pre-schoolers? They're here | Tech news blog - CNET News.com
These companies have no idea how to manage risks, and rarely understand what risks they need to manage.
Virtual worlds for pre-schoolers? They're here | Tech news blog - CNET News.com
Virtual worlds for pre-schoolers? They're here | Tech news blog - CNET News.com
Friday, May 09, 2008
Facebook puts into place new safety controls | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle
Everyone is looking for age verification technology. The chief players in the industry have joined forces to investigate technology solutions, including age verification. If it exists, we'll find it. If not, we need to keep building safer practices, technologies and education. There is no one answer, or a silver bullet here. Just a combination of caring, supervision, technology and best practices.Facebook puts into place new safety controls | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Web scammers find ways to be rude socially -- -- themorningcall.com
while most focus on predators any other more highly publicized risks, phishers use a number of ways to grab your logins and passwords to take over your social networking profiles. Mostof the time they use them for spamming others or promoting porn. Use a slightly different password for each account, so if you visit a widget site or site for applications, fraudulent scams won't be able to use that password to gain entry to your profiles.Web scammers find ways to be rude socially -- -- themorningcall.com
Facebook, states set predator safeguards - Security- msnbc.com
Creating a task force seems the way to go these days. Facebook reached its own agreement with the 49 AGs who entered into an agreement with MySpace a few months before. I serve on that task fofce that includes Microsoft, Yahoo!, AOL, Google, Verizon and others...including Facebook!
Facebook, states set predator safeguards - Security- msnbc.com
Facebook, states set predator safeguards - Security- msnbc.com
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Providence school fight posted online | Education | projo.com | The Providence Journal
It's time we do something....this is getting out of control.Providence school fight posted online | Education | projo.com | The Providence Journal
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Communication means talking face-to-face : Editorial : DAILY YOMIURI ONLINE (The Daily Yomiuri)
One of our messages to teens and preteens about cyberbullying is to "take it offline". when they communicate f2f, they often avoid the miscommunications they encounter online. If your best friend appears to be attacking you online, a quick call might confirm if it's his younger brother posing as him, or someone else trying to get him and you into trouble.
Communication means talking face-to-face : Editorial : DAILY YOMIURI ONLINE (The Daily Yomiuri)
Communication means talking face-to-face : Editorial : DAILY YOMIURI ONLINE (The Daily Yomiuri)
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Cybertrashing the competition on Craigslist - San Jose Mercury News
Craigslist isn't the problem, it's adults acting badly.Cybertrashing the competition on Craigslist - San Jose Mercury News
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Bullying bill appears to be on hold for another day | news-press.com | The News-Press
I have no idea why the Florida legislature would not pass this law. It is needed and Debbie's work has been tireless.
Bullying bill appears to be on hold for another day | news-press.com | The News-Press
Bullying bill appears to be on hold for another day | news-press.com | The News-Press
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Star: Bullies slip through the Net
Cyberbullying is a problem worldwide, even in South Africa.Star: Bullies slip through the Net
Monday, April 28, 2008
cyberbullying conference in NY June 2nd and 3rd
Register at wiredsafety.org or stopcyberbullying.org
Cyberbullying is trending younger and younger - Sandbox Cyberbullying 4th graders and younger.
Sandbox Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying, like the use of interactive technologies, is trending younger and younger. Two years ago, while speaking to a group of parents (some of whom brought their young children) I asked the audience for definitions of cyberbullying. A little cherubic second grader shyly raised her hand, offering her definition. I smiled to myself while calling on her.
“Cyberbullying is when, if you like a boy and he already has a girlfriend, you go online pretending to be his girlfriend and break up with him. Then he can ask you out.” Her shyness turned quickly into smugness, and I was blown away. Second grade? What in the heck was she going to be doing by third grade?
While this little girl was my first second grade expert on cyberbullying, she wasn’t the last. Not by far. About six months ago, I was speaking to a group of second graders. When I asked how kids can cyberbully each other, a young boy raised his hand. “They can cyberbully each other using Wii,” he offered. When I probed further, I learned that the kids can upload a photo of the cyberbullying target and draw means things on their photo or shoot it, slime it or otherwise attack the target by defacing their image. On Wii!
The fourth graders taught me about extortion. Unlike their older counterparts who use sexual harassment as their torment of choice, fourth graders blackmail each other. “If you don’t do X, I will post this online!” “If you don’t give me Y, I will tell everyone your secrets!” “If you don’t Z, I will tell [your parents][the principal] [the teacher][everyone] what you did!”
Armed with handheld gaming devices with Internet connectivity, cell phones and Internet access, they threaten, harass, extort, embarrass, expose, lie and pass rumors about their acquaintances and former best friends. They do it to be funny. They do it to be popular. They do it for power. They do it to see what happens. They do it to impress their friends. They do it to reinforce their own social status. They do it for revenge. They do it to defend others. They do it by being careless. But they do it. More and more, everyday, kids are hurting kids.
Why? They tell me it’s because they can.
No consequences. Anonymously. They can be mean and get away with it. They can do and say things they would never do or say in real life. They don’t see the hurt, understand the realities or look at it from the target’s perspective. Courtesy and kindness, respect and caring are all abandoned in favor of their 15 megabytes of fame, power and attention.
I worry about what the kids in nursery school will teach me next year.
Cyberbullying, like the use of interactive technologies, is trending younger and younger. Two years ago, while speaking to a group of parents (some of whom brought their young children) I asked the audience for definitions of cyberbullying. A little cherubic second grader shyly raised her hand, offering her definition. I smiled to myself while calling on her.
“Cyberbullying is when, if you like a boy and he already has a girlfriend, you go online pretending to be his girlfriend and break up with him. Then he can ask you out.” Her shyness turned quickly into smugness, and I was blown away. Second grade? What in the heck was she going to be doing by third grade?
While this little girl was my first second grade expert on cyberbullying, she wasn’t the last. Not by far. About six months ago, I was speaking to a group of second graders. When I asked how kids can cyberbully each other, a young boy raised his hand. “They can cyberbully each other using Wii,” he offered. When I probed further, I learned that the kids can upload a photo of the cyberbullying target and draw means things on their photo or shoot it, slime it or otherwise attack the target by defacing their image. On Wii!
The fourth graders taught me about extortion. Unlike their older counterparts who use sexual harassment as their torment of choice, fourth graders blackmail each other. “If you don’t do X, I will post this online!” “If you don’t give me Y, I will tell everyone your secrets!” “If you don’t Z, I will tell [your parents][the principal] [the teacher][everyone] what you did!”
Armed with handheld gaming devices with Internet connectivity, cell phones and Internet access, they threaten, harass, extort, embarrass, expose, lie and pass rumors about their acquaintances and former best friends. They do it to be funny. They do it to be popular. They do it for power. They do it to see what happens. They do it to impress their friends. They do it to reinforce their own social status. They do it for revenge. They do it to defend others. They do it by being careless. But they do it. More and more, everyday, kids are hurting kids.
Why? They tell me it’s because they can.
No consequences. Anonymously. They can be mean and get away with it. They can do and say things they would never do or say in real life. They don’t see the hurt, understand the realities or look at it from the target’s perspective. Courtesy and kindness, respect and caring are all abandoned in favor of their 15 megabytes of fame, power and attention.
I worry about what the kids in nursery school will teach me next year.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
To monitor or not to monitor, that is the question - Quelling the Danger Lurking In Junior's Backpack - WSJ.com
Quelling the Danger Lurking
In Junior's Backpack
Cellphone Tools Can Filter
Uncensored Web and Chat;
Parents Risk Privacy Backlash
By JOSEPH DE AVILA
April 23, 2008; Page D1
In the past, some parents worried when their teens holed up in their bedrooms to surf the Web. Now they wonder about their kids' online habits at the mall, in the car or at a track meet. That's because many cellphones now offer Internet access -- making chat rooms and dating sites available from just about anywhere.
Cellphones pose yet another parenting dilemma. On one hand, the devices allow adults to maintain contact with their kids, helping to supervise their activities from afar. On the flip side, advanced features on some phones let kids check email, send instant messages, and visit mobile versions of Web sites. And that's where teens can get into trouble.
Some cellphone carriers offer services for parents to manage how their children use the Web on their phones. While most only block access to certain Web sites, one third-party provider offers a service that alerts parents when their child makes or receives calls, text messages or photos.
Marybeth Whalen, a 37-year-old writer and stay-at-home mom from Charlotte, N.C., recently heard a story that left her shaken. A friend of hers discovered text-message exchanges with sexual innuendo between the friend's teenage daughter and a boy. Ms. Whalen's friend never suspected that her daughter communicated about such things on the phone.
After hearing her friend's experience, Ms. Whalen started to worry about her own kids. "That kind of woke me up a little bit," she says. At 15 and 13, the two oldest of Ms. Whalen's six children have cellphones. "Even the good kids can be up to stuff that you know nothing about."
Now she is more diligent about watching what her kids do with their phones and tries to stay informed about how they use new gadgets and technology.
Taking a cellphone away entirely would be difficult for many parents -- 72% of teens between ages 13 and 17 already have one, according to a 2007 survey from the Yankee Group, a research and consulting firm.
Among teens, there is a strong demand for text messaging and email on cellphones. Now they want additional features, too, says Chris Collins, a senior analyst with Yankee Group. In a survey, 26% of teens said that having Internet access was a must-have feature for the next phone they bought, according to the Yankee Group.
As mobile Web browsing becomes more common, it will just be another aspect of cellphones that parents need to understand and be informed of, experts say. Monitoring your children's cellphone comes with risks, especially when dealing with teenagers. Communication is essential. Minors should understand why their parents are monitoring them. If not, experts say parents risk alienating and losing the trust of their children.
What's Available
Carriers offer some options for parents to limit what their kids can do with their Web-equipped phones.
Last year, AT&T Inc. launched its Smart Limits plan for $4.99 a month. The plan lets users limit the number of text and instant messages sent and received.
Parents can block content that may not be appropriate for younger users, like chat rooms and dating sites, on AT&T's home page called MEdia Net, which comes with most of AT&T's basic cellphones. Or they can block access to the Web entirely.
Smart Limits' Web filter doesn't work for the Apple iPhone, and it can't turn off the phone's Web browser, according to an AT&T spokesman.
Verizon Wireless added new parental controls for cellphones last year. Users can choose from three levels of settings that will filter the content available on the phone based on a rating system that takes the age of the user into account. The most restrictive setting, aimed at kids between the ages of 7 and 12, blocks access to email, instant messaging, social networking sites and chat groups. The free service also filters Verizon's V CAST multimedia player that plays video and music according to the setting chosen by the parent. To sign up, Verizon customers can visit the Web site or call customer service.
These parental settings for the Web aren't available on some older phones and on BlackBerry devices and other smart phones, says Jack McArtney, director for advertising and content standards with Verizon Wireless. The company is working on parental controls for smart phones.
T-Mobile USA Inc. offers a free service called Web Guard that filters mobile Web sites that might be inappropriate for younger users. It automatically blocks the search and browsing of several categories of sites, including dating, gambling and sex sites. The company says the service works on most phones, but may not work at certain times and in certain locations. Users can sign up for the service by logging on to their profile on T-Mobile's Web site.
Sprint Nextel Corp.'s free service is called Web Access and limits Web browsing to about 100 preselected sites that are considered safe for all ages. Parents can turn on the service from their profile on the Sprint Web site or from their child's phone. All other sites are blocked. Email, instant messaging and access to mobile chat rooms can be blocked only by turning off the Web features on the phone itself.
For some parents, blocking features on phones isn't enough. They want to know who their kids are communicating with.
Gregg Friedman, a 46-year-old chiropractor from Phoenix, recently signed up for a third-party application called RADAR to track how his 17-year-old son uses his BlackBerry. Mr. Friedman signed up for the service after his son started getting text messages from bullies and other kids in the neighborhood that Mr. Friedman didn't approve of.
"My wife and I wanted a way to monitor who our son was talking to and texting," he says.
RADAR was launched last year by eAgency Inc., based in Newport Beach, Calif. Here's how it works. The company installs software onto the child's cellphone that monitors incoming and outgoing calls, photos, text messages and emails. Or users can download the software themselves. Parents get an email or text-message alert every time their child uses the phone. (Or they can log on to RADAR's Web site to get these updates.) The text from emails and text messages can be read by the parents. Photos can be seen, too. RADAR also turns off the phone's instant messaging capabilities.
Right now, RADAR software is available only on the BlackBerry Pearl. EAgency will soon release a feature to allow parents to see which Web sites their children visit on their phones, says Bob Lotter, eAgency's chief executive. The service costs $10 a month, and people can sign up at www.mymobilewatchdog.com.
Mr. Friedman says he and his wife log on to the site a few times each day to check in on their son. His son wasn't happy when he told him that he would be monitored, Mr. Friedman says. His son thought it was an invasion of privacy. "I told him he has no privacy," he says.
Before parents start blocking or checking their children's phones, they should first discuss their worries with their kids, says Amanda Lenhart, a senior research specialist with the Pew Internet & American Life Project, which studies technology and kids. "Whatever you do should be in the context of an open conversation with that child."
A Matter of Trust
Parents who monitor their kids without discussing it first risk losing their trust, says Parry Aftab, executive director of WiredSafety, an Internet-safety help group.
Just because "you can monitor doesn't mean you should or have to," Ms. Aftab says. At-risk kids, however, are an exception to this rule. In this case, parents should use any technology they can that will help keep the child safe, Ms. Aftab says.
Julie Clark, a 50-year-old freelance writer and Web manager from Cobbs Creek, Va., prefers old-fashioned solutions when dealing with her 16-year-old son, Matthew. On school nights, her son turns over his phone at 9 p.m.
Ms. Clark also limits her son's Web surfing on their home computer. She allows him to use it for school projects only. "The cellphone is a little harder [to monitor] because it's portable," she says. "They can be very secretive with them."
Quelling the Danger Lurking In Junior's Backpack - WSJ.com
In Junior's Backpack
Cellphone Tools Can Filter
Uncensored Web and Chat;
Parents Risk Privacy Backlash
By JOSEPH DE AVILA
April 23, 2008; Page D1
In the past, some parents worried when their teens holed up in their bedrooms to surf the Web. Now they wonder about their kids' online habits at the mall, in the car or at a track meet. That's because many cellphones now offer Internet access -- making chat rooms and dating sites available from just about anywhere.
Cellphones pose yet another parenting dilemma. On one hand, the devices allow adults to maintain contact with their kids, helping to supervise their activities from afar. On the flip side, advanced features on some phones let kids check email, send instant messages, and visit mobile versions of Web sites. And that's where teens can get into trouble.
Some cellphone carriers offer services for parents to manage how their children use the Web on their phones. While most only block access to certain Web sites, one third-party provider offers a service that alerts parents when their child makes or receives calls, text messages or photos.
Marybeth Whalen, a 37-year-old writer and stay-at-home mom from Charlotte, N.C., recently heard a story that left her shaken. A friend of hers discovered text-message exchanges with sexual innuendo between the friend's teenage daughter and a boy. Ms. Whalen's friend never suspected that her daughter communicated about such things on the phone.
After hearing her friend's experience, Ms. Whalen started to worry about her own kids. "That kind of woke me up a little bit," she says. At 15 and 13, the two oldest of Ms. Whalen's six children have cellphones. "Even the good kids can be up to stuff that you know nothing about."
Now she is more diligent about watching what her kids do with their phones and tries to stay informed about how they use new gadgets and technology.
Taking a cellphone away entirely would be difficult for many parents -- 72% of teens between ages 13 and 17 already have one, according to a 2007 survey from the Yankee Group, a research and consulting firm.
Among teens, there is a strong demand for text messaging and email on cellphones. Now they want additional features, too, says Chris Collins, a senior analyst with Yankee Group. In a survey, 26% of teens said that having Internet access was a must-have feature for the next phone they bought, according to the Yankee Group.
As mobile Web browsing becomes more common, it will just be another aspect of cellphones that parents need to understand and be informed of, experts say. Monitoring your children's cellphone comes with risks, especially when dealing with teenagers. Communication is essential. Minors should understand why their parents are monitoring them. If not, experts say parents risk alienating and losing the trust of their children.
What's Available
Carriers offer some options for parents to limit what their kids can do with their Web-equipped phones.
Last year, AT&T Inc. launched its Smart Limits plan for $4.99 a month. The plan lets users limit the number of text and instant messages sent and received.
Parents can block content that may not be appropriate for younger users, like chat rooms and dating sites, on AT&T's home page called MEdia Net, which comes with most of AT&T's basic cellphones. Or they can block access to the Web entirely.
Smart Limits' Web filter doesn't work for the Apple iPhone, and it can't turn off the phone's Web browser, according to an AT&T spokesman.
Verizon Wireless added new parental controls for cellphones last year. Users can choose from three levels of settings that will filter the content available on the phone based on a rating system that takes the age of the user into account. The most restrictive setting, aimed at kids between the ages of 7 and 12, blocks access to email, instant messaging, social networking sites and chat groups. The free service also filters Verizon's V CAST multimedia player that plays video and music according to the setting chosen by the parent. To sign up, Verizon customers can visit the Web site or call customer service.
These parental settings for the Web aren't available on some older phones and on BlackBerry devices and other smart phones, says Jack McArtney, director for advertising and content standards with Verizon Wireless. The company is working on parental controls for smart phones.
T-Mobile USA Inc. offers a free service called Web Guard that filters mobile Web sites that might be inappropriate for younger users. It automatically blocks the search and browsing of several categories of sites, including dating, gambling and sex sites. The company says the service works on most phones, but may not work at certain times and in certain locations. Users can sign up for the service by logging on to their profile on T-Mobile's Web site.
Sprint Nextel Corp.'s free service is called Web Access and limits Web browsing to about 100 preselected sites that are considered safe for all ages. Parents can turn on the service from their profile on the Sprint Web site or from their child's phone. All other sites are blocked. Email, instant messaging and access to mobile chat rooms can be blocked only by turning off the Web features on the phone itself.
For some parents, blocking features on phones isn't enough. They want to know who their kids are communicating with.
Gregg Friedman, a 46-year-old chiropractor from Phoenix, recently signed up for a third-party application called RADAR to track how his 17-year-old son uses his BlackBerry. Mr. Friedman signed up for the service after his son started getting text messages from bullies and other kids in the neighborhood that Mr. Friedman didn't approve of.
"My wife and I wanted a way to monitor who our son was talking to and texting," he says.
RADAR was launched last year by eAgency Inc., based in Newport Beach, Calif. Here's how it works. The company installs software onto the child's cellphone that monitors incoming and outgoing calls, photos, text messages and emails. Or users can download the software themselves. Parents get an email or text-message alert every time their child uses the phone. (Or they can log on to RADAR's Web site to get these updates.) The text from emails and text messages can be read by the parents. Photos can be seen, too. RADAR also turns off the phone's instant messaging capabilities.
Right now, RADAR software is available only on the BlackBerry Pearl. EAgency will soon release a feature to allow parents to see which Web sites their children visit on their phones, says Bob Lotter, eAgency's chief executive. The service costs $10 a month, and people can sign up at www.mymobilewatchdog.com.
Mr. Friedman says he and his wife log on to the site a few times each day to check in on their son. His son wasn't happy when he told him that he would be monitored, Mr. Friedman says. His son thought it was an invasion of privacy. "I told him he has no privacy," he says.
Before parents start blocking or checking their children's phones, they should first discuss their worries with their kids, says Amanda Lenhart, a senior research specialist with the Pew Internet & American Life Project, which studies technology and kids. "Whatever you do should be in the context of an open conversation with that child."
A Matter of Trust
Parents who monitor their kids without discussing it first risk losing their trust, says Parry Aftab, executive director of WiredSafety, an Internet-safety help group.
Just because "you can monitor doesn't mean you should or have to," Ms. Aftab says. At-risk kids, however, are an exception to this rule. In this case, parents should use any technology they can that will help keep the child safe, Ms. Aftab says.
Julie Clark, a 50-year-old freelance writer and Web manager from Cobbs Creek, Va., prefers old-fashioned solutions when dealing with her 16-year-old son, Matthew. On school nights, her son turns over his phone at 9 p.m.
Ms. Clark also limits her son's Web surfing on their home computer. She allows him to use it for school projects only. "The cellphone is a little harder [to monitor] because it's portable," she says. "They can be very secretive with them."
Quelling the Danger Lurking In Junior's Backpack - WSJ.com
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Movie industry's crime-fighting canines visit LA school :: Businessofcinema.com - Cinema Business News and Information
Flo and Lucky did a great job, impressing the 4th and 5th graders, who took a pledge to stop piracy wherever they find it.
Movie industry's crime-fighting canines visit LA school :: Businessofcinema.com - Cinema Business News and Information
Movie industry's crime-fighting canines visit LA school :: Businessofcinema.com - Cinema Business News and Information
MediaPost Publications - Nike Risks Viral Backlash With Kobe Video On YouTube - 04/22/2008
with convergance, safety may be the cost as ads move to the Internet which cannot be aired on TV.MediaPost Publications - Nike Risks Viral Backlash With Kobe Video On YouTube - 04/22/2008
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Anxious rich rush to add security - Crain's New York Business
High net worth individuals and celebrities have special problems with cyber-security. Our new WiredTrust is designed ot assist them in protecting their privacy, security and their kids too, online.Anxious rich rush to add security - Crain's New York Business
Friday, April 18, 2008
Flo and Lucky - the MPAA's pirated DVD-sniffing dogs hold event in LA elementary school
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 18, 2008
**MEDIA ADVISORY**
MOVIE PIRACY IS GOING TO THE DOGS!
MOVIE INDUSTRY’S CRIME-FIGHTING CANINES LUCKY AND FLO MAKE SPECIAL VISIT TO L.A. SCHOOL
Councilmember Wendy Greuel and Internet Safety Expert Dr. Parry Aftab join the MPAA and Lucky and Flo for a demonstration for Clover Avenue Elementary School’s 4th and 5th graders, Monday, April 21 at 9:15 a.m.
WHO: The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and Los Angeles City Councilmember Wendy Greuel – Chair of the Los Angeles Anti-Piracy Task Force - team-up with WiredSafety - the largest and oldest online safety, education, and help group in the world - to raise awareness about the importance of copyright protection with the assistance of the MPAA’s very own Lucky and Flo.
The two adorable black labs - the world’s first-ever DVD-sniffing dogs - are making a special stop in Los Angeles on their way to Mexico City and Washington DC to highlight World Intellectual Property Day on April 26. Lucky and Flo have traveled all over the world assisting law enforcement officials track down pirate operations and have helped raise global awareness about the problem of motion picture piracy. The dogs have been so successful that last year a Malaysian pirate syndicate put a bounty on the dogs’ heads of $30,000.
WHAT: Lucky and Flo will demonstrate how they sniff out DVDs hidden in storage containers and luggage, highlighting how they assist law enforcement authorities at raids, border crossings, and customs environments around the world. The assembly will be facilitated by Dr. Parry Aftab, founder of WiredSafety, and her award-winning Teenangels and Tweenangels who will share information with the students about responsible technology use.
WHERE: Clover Avenue Elementary School
Auditorium
11020 Clover Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90034
WHEN: Monday, April 21, 2008
9:15 a.m.
*GREAT PHOTO OPPORTUNITY* - Lucky and Flo will demonstrate their amazing abilities. Children will help hide DVDs for the dogs to find.
###
Elizabeth Kaltman
Communications Director
Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA)
(818) 935-5751 - Direct
April 18, 2008
**MEDIA ADVISORY**
MOVIE PIRACY IS GOING TO THE DOGS!
MOVIE INDUSTRY’S CRIME-FIGHTING CANINES LUCKY AND FLO MAKE SPECIAL VISIT TO L.A. SCHOOL
Councilmember Wendy Greuel and Internet Safety Expert Dr. Parry Aftab join the MPAA and Lucky and Flo for a demonstration for Clover Avenue Elementary School’s 4th and 5th graders, Monday, April 21 at 9:15 a.m.
WHO: The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and Los Angeles City Councilmember Wendy Greuel – Chair of the Los Angeles Anti-Piracy Task Force - team-up with WiredSafety - the largest and oldest online safety, education, and help group in the world - to raise awareness about the importance of copyright protection with the assistance of the MPAA’s very own Lucky and Flo.
The two adorable black labs - the world’s first-ever DVD-sniffing dogs - are making a special stop in Los Angeles on their way to Mexico City and Washington DC to highlight World Intellectual Property Day on April 26. Lucky and Flo have traveled all over the world assisting law enforcement officials track down pirate operations and have helped raise global awareness about the problem of motion picture piracy. The dogs have been so successful that last year a Malaysian pirate syndicate put a bounty on the dogs’ heads of $30,000.
WHAT: Lucky and Flo will demonstrate how they sniff out DVDs hidden in storage containers and luggage, highlighting how they assist law enforcement authorities at raids, border crossings, and customs environments around the world. The assembly will be facilitated by Dr. Parry Aftab, founder of WiredSafety, and her award-winning Teenangels and Tweenangels who will share information with the students about responsible technology use.
WHERE: Clover Avenue Elementary School
Auditorium
11020 Clover Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90034
WHEN: Monday, April 21, 2008
9:15 a.m.
*GREAT PHOTO OPPORTUNITY* - Lucky and Flo will demonstrate their amazing abilities. Children will help hide DVDs for the dogs to find.
###
Elizabeth Kaltman
Communications Director
Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA)
(818) 935-5751 - Direct
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
MyFox Tampa Bay | Beating case shines light on cyberbullying
Megan Pledge is one way to move towards answers.MyFox Tampa Bay | Beating case shines light on cyberbullying
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Stop Cyberbullying International Conference - NY June 2nd and 3rd
The Inaugural Internetaionl StopCyberbullying Conference will be held in NY on two days, one for community participants and one for the industry, regulators and the media.
The community day is free, but pre-registration is required. Space is limited. It will be held in White Plains, NY and is for parents, kids, teens, teachers, law enforcement, mental health experts, guidance counselors, school administrators, etc.
The industry best practices day tickets are $150, with discounts for students, teachers, non-profits and law enforcement members. Pre-registration required and space is limited.
Sponsorship and exhibit tables are available. Contact me for additional information on exhibiting and sponsorship.
I will post more info on the conference when it is finalized.
hope to see you there.
Parry
The community day is free, but pre-registration is required. Space is limited. It will be held in White Plains, NY and is for parents, kids, teens, teachers, law enforcement, mental health experts, guidance counselors, school administrators, etc.
The industry best practices day tickets are $150, with discounts for students, teachers, non-profits and law enforcement members. Pre-registration required and space is limited.
Sponsorship and exhibit tables are available. Contact me for additional information on exhibiting and sponsorship.
I will post more info on the conference when it is finalized.
hope to see you there.
Parry
APWG Conference in Tokyo, Japan ...be there or be square :-)
The APWG is delighted to announce that registration for the APWG's Second Annual Counter eCrime Operations Summit (CeCOS II) has opened and that the program committee has posted the preliminary agenda and registration links at:
http://www.antiphishing.org/events/2008_operationsSummit.html. Unlike APWG General Members meetings, CeCOS II Tokyo will be an open conference, with all sessions available to both member and non-member attendees.
CeCOS II is shaping up into a milestone event for APWG members and for all the stakeholding cohorts engaged in the global contest with the burgeoning electronic crime plexus. Our goal, beyond benchmarking the kinds of operational practices that have proven useful in countering electronic crime, is to unite IT operations, security and law enforcement thought-leaders from across the globe to voice priorities in the global confrontation with phishing and eCrime.
AGENDA: A working agenda can be found at this APWG Web page:
http://www.antiphishing.org/events/2008_operationsSummit.html#agenda
The CeCOS II, to be held in Tokyo on May 26 & 27 2008, is being developed in collaboration with the Council of Anti-Phishing Japan, an industry coalition organized at the recommendation of Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). The Council of Europe has also entered as a program partner, through participation of its Economic Crime Unit.
APWG has always worked to build bridges between constituencies that have to engage the threats that electronic crime poses against consumers and enterprises. With CeCOS II the APWG also hopes to take steps to begin unifying key constituents of global economies - national and regional - against the growing, common peril of electronic crime. This year's meeting will focus on the development of response paradigms and resources for counter-ecrime managers and forensic professionals.
Presenters will proffer case studies of national and regional economies under attack, narratives of successful trans- national forensic cooperation, paradigms for cooperation and unified response against ecrime - and data resources for forensic applications. CeCOS II Tokyo reflects the rapidly expanding APWG membership in Asia but, as importantly, it presents an extraordinary opportunity to build strategic bridges between counter-eCrime operatives worldwide.
VENUE: The conference will be held at the Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka.
The Akasaka district is a central Tokyo business and government district by day and one of Tokyo's premier entertainment areas by night. The hotel's English-language Web site can be found here:
http://www.princejapan.com/GrandPrinceHotelAkasaka/index.asp
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION: The links for registration Web pages for this APWG conference can be found here:
http://secure.lenos.com/lenos/antiphishing/opSummit2008/
ACCOMMODATIONS: The APWG has negotiated a discount rate for conference attendees at the Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka. The CeCOS II hotel accommodations registration Web page is here:
http://secure1.gakkai-web.net/gakkai/knt/cecos/index.html
For attendees planning on staying at other Tokyo hotels, the Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka is within 2-minute walks of both Nagata-Cho Station and Akasaka-Mitsuke Station on Tokyo's subway. More info on subway service can be found here:
http://www.princejapan.com/GrandPrinceHotelAkasaka/akasaka-gettingthere.asp
Instructions on getting to the conference venue from Narita International Airport can be found here:
http://www.princejapan.com/GrandPrinceHotelAkasaka/akasaka-gettingthere.asp
TRAVEL GUIDANCE: Advisories on such important details as visas and entry requirements for travelers to Japan can be found at these web pages.
For US and Canada: http://www.japantravelinfo.com/plan/tips.php
Other Nations: http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/essential/visa.html
SPONSORSHIP: Interested event sponsors can contact Deputy Secretary General Foy Shiver directly at fshiver@antiphishing.org about opportunities for this event.
If anyone has other kinds of questions, they are invited to contact APWG Secretary General Peter Cassidy at pcassidy@antiphishing.org or +1 617
669 1123.
http://www.antiphishing.org/events/2008_operationsSummit.html. Unlike APWG General Members meetings, CeCOS II Tokyo will be an open conference, with all sessions available to both member and non-member attendees.
CeCOS II is shaping up into a milestone event for APWG members and for all the stakeholding cohorts engaged in the global contest with the burgeoning electronic crime plexus. Our goal, beyond benchmarking the kinds of operational practices that have proven useful in countering electronic crime, is to unite IT operations, security and law enforcement thought-leaders from across the globe to voice priorities in the global confrontation with phishing and eCrime.
AGENDA: A working agenda can be found at this APWG Web page:
http://www.antiphishing.org/events/2008_operationsSummit.html#agenda
The CeCOS II, to be held in Tokyo on May 26 & 27 2008, is being developed in collaboration with the Council of Anti-Phishing Japan, an industry coalition organized at the recommendation of Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). The Council of Europe has also entered as a program partner, through participation of its Economic Crime Unit.
APWG has always worked to build bridges between constituencies that have to engage the threats that electronic crime poses against consumers and enterprises. With CeCOS II the APWG also hopes to take steps to begin unifying key constituents of global economies - national and regional - against the growing, common peril of electronic crime. This year's meeting will focus on the development of response paradigms and resources for counter-ecrime managers and forensic professionals.
Presenters will proffer case studies of national and regional economies under attack, narratives of successful trans- national forensic cooperation, paradigms for cooperation and unified response against ecrime - and data resources for forensic applications. CeCOS II Tokyo reflects the rapidly expanding APWG membership in Asia but, as importantly, it presents an extraordinary opportunity to build strategic bridges between counter-eCrime operatives worldwide.
VENUE: The conference will be held at the Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka.
The Akasaka district is a central Tokyo business and government district by day and one of Tokyo's premier entertainment areas by night. The hotel's English-language Web site can be found here:
http://www.princejapan.com/GrandPrinceHotelAkasaka/index.asp
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION: The links for registration Web pages for this APWG conference can be found here:
http://secure.lenos.com/lenos/antiphishing/opSummit2008/
ACCOMMODATIONS: The APWG has negotiated a discount rate for conference attendees at the Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka. The CeCOS II hotel accommodations registration Web page is here:
http://secure1.gakkai-web.net/gakkai/knt/cecos/index.html
For attendees planning on staying at other Tokyo hotels, the Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka is within 2-minute walks of both Nagata-Cho Station and Akasaka-Mitsuke Station on Tokyo's subway. More info on subway service can be found here:
http://www.princejapan.com/GrandPrinceHotelAkasaka/akasaka-gettingthere.asp
Instructions on getting to the conference venue from Narita International Airport can be found here:
http://www.princejapan.com/GrandPrinceHotelAkasaka/akasaka-gettingthere.asp
TRAVEL GUIDANCE: Advisories on such important details as visas and entry requirements for travelers to Japan can be found at these web pages.
For US and Canada: http://www.japantravelinfo.com/plan/tips.php
Other Nations: http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/essential/visa.html
SPONSORSHIP: Interested event sponsors can contact Deputy Secretary General Foy Shiver directly at fshiver@antiphishing.org about opportunities for this event.
If anyone has other kinds of questions, they are invited to contact APWG Secretary General Peter Cassidy at pcassidy@antiphishing.org or +1 617
669 1123.
With cyber bullying, girls gone wild gets a horrifying new meaning
We have to do something to stop the craze of hurting people to get noticed. We will be hosting one of the leading psychiatrists on these kinds of things at our Stop Cyberbullying International Conference on June 2 and 3rd in NY. With cyber bullying, girls gone wild gets a horrifying new meaning
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Courts chip away at Web sites' decade-old legal shield | Tech news blog - CNET News.com
I am pulled on this one. I think sites that don't enforce ehtier terms of service or which are building business on creating hate shouldn't be protected from suits, but legitimate sites doing what they say they do, should be.
watch this space for more.Courts chip away at Web sites' decade-old legal shield | Tech news blog - CNET News.com
watch this space for more.Courts chip away at Web sites' decade-old legal shield | Tech news blog - CNET News.com
Monday, April 07, 2008
#/video/tech/2008/04/03/delacruz.tween.angels.cnn?iref=videosearch
Tweenangels, my 7 - 12 year old secret weapons help me understand what younger kids are doing online and assist in making the Internet safer and kids smarter.
For more info about starting your own chapter, visit teenangels.org.#/video/tech/2008/04/03/delacruz.tween.angels.cnn?iref=videosearch
For more info about starting your own chapter, visit teenangels.org.#/video/tech/2008/04/03/delacruz.tween.angels.cnn?iref=videosearch
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Kansas.com | 04/03/2008 | Baby, you're a YouTube star
posting videos about your kids online? thinkb4uClik!Kansas.com | 04/03/2008 | Baby, you're a YouTube star
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Safety, Big Bucks Drive New Websites for Kids - US News and World Report
Safety is fast becoming big-business when the Web 2.0 industry is involved. Our latest addition to the safer networks industry is a new for-profit company that will open its doors in July, called WiredTrust. Founded by me, it will guide the kids and general audeince industries in keeping the networks safer and helping them manage all risk.
Safety, Big Bucks Drive New Websites for Kids - US News and World Report
Safety, Big Bucks Drive New Websites for Kids - US News and World Report
State of New Jersey acts in juicycampus.com
Too many think that they can do anything online and not be held accountable. But there's more to setting up an online business or social network than just bits and bytes. Having your privacy policy and terms of service matach your actual practices is crucial and the way most mess up. In this case, I am looking for ways they mess up, or ways they can make things a bit more responsible. Selling and marketing hate and rumor-mongering is a problem, especially if you don't do what you promise. AG Milgram, in NJ, is taking action. We commend her for doing this and hope the others will too.
This is a new business model and becomes more popular as we do media against it. It's time for the law enforcement players ot do their best to make sure they follow the law. And I'll lend any support to them that I can.
ThanksState of New Jersey
This is a new business model and becomes more popular as we do media against it. It's time for the law enforcement players ot do their best to make sure they follow the law. And I'll lend any support to them that I can.
ThanksState of New Jersey
Teen describes role in MySpace hoax - Internet- msnbc.com
Megan Meier died at her own hands after being harassed online by people posing as a cute 16-year-old boy on myspace. The people behind the cyberbullying attacks turned out to be a local neighborhood mom, Lori Drew. Ashley Grills, a babysitter who worked for the Drews helped set up the profile and together with Lori Drew tormented Megan. Mean words kill. Our new program, the megan pledge is designed to get 1 million young people involved in taking a pledge against cyberbullying and seeing suicide as an option.
I think it's time for the US Attorney for St. Louis area to charge Lori under the federal cyberstalking law.
Teen describes role in MySpace hoax - Internet- msnbc.com
Get involved with the megan pledge, let's hold adults responsible for their actions...Lori Drew should be in jail instead of redoing her basement.
Mean words kill!
I think it's time for the US Attorney for St. Louis area to charge Lori under the federal cyberstalking law.
Teen describes role in MySpace hoax - Internet- msnbc.com
Get involved with the megan pledge, let's hold adults responsible for their actions...Lori Drew should be in jail instead of redoing her basement.
Mean words kill!
Saturday, March 29, 2008
MySpace.com on their Web site safety - Dateline NBC- msnbc.com
Comments from myspace before their acquisition by Murdouch, when they discussed safety.MySpace.com on their Web site safety - Dateline NBC- msnbc.com
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Keeping younger kids safe on the Internet
Learn about our tweenangels program (teenangels.org).Keeping younger kids safe on the Internet
Friday, March 14, 2008
Casi - Teenangels ringer :-)
Casi is one of my teenangels. specially-trained teen experts in cybersafety teach others, and advise the industry and government on these issues for wiredsafety.org, parent of teenangels.org. I needed a ringer, one of my winged angels who cold handle any question asked at the California state cybersecurity sumnmit in LA. My local teenangels and tweenangels had just started and were not trained yet. Casi blew them away. Building on skills she picked up in the program and has displayed on Tyra Banks among other public outlets, she is an amazing teen and empowers others.
I love her deeply.
ParrySlice of Rye
I love her deeply.
ParrySlice of Rye
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Webkinz Awarded Best of the Web
Nominated by Kids, loved by parents and approved for safety - by me :-)gifts-and-tablewares.com - Gifts & Tablewares - 3/12/2008
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Friday, March 07, 2008
Yale Daily News - After campus gets ‘juicier,’ Yale considers legal options
AG Blumenthal may want to look into this.Yale Daily News - After campus gets ‘juicier,’ Yale considers legal options
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Web Safety Task Force Draws Top Tech Players - News and Analysis by PC Magazine
I hope that Adan Theier will be one of the first experts we hear from. His work has been solid on these issues.Web Safety Task Force Draws Top Tech Players - News and Analysis by PC Magazine
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
identity of the task force members - MySpace
WiredSafety is a member of the newly announced task force on cybersafety created in conjunction with MySpace and the AGs: it also includes
. AOL
• Aristotle
• AT&T
• Bebo
• Berkman Center
• Center for Democracy & Technology
• Connectsafely.org
• Comcast
• Enough is Enough
• Facebook
• Google
• Family Online Safety Institute
• iKeepSafe
• Institute for Policy Innovation
• Linden Lab
• Loopt
• IDology
• Microsoft
• MySpace
• NCMEC
• Progress and Freedom Foundation
• Sentinel Tech
• Symantec
• Verizon
• WiredSafety.org
• Xanga
• Yahoo!
. AOL
• Aristotle
• AT&T
• Bebo
• Berkman Center
• Center for Democracy & Technology
• Connectsafely.org
• Comcast
• Enough is Enough
• Family Online Safety Institute
• iKeepSafe
• Institute for Policy Innovation
• Linden Lab
• Loopt
• IDology
• Microsoft
• MySpace
• NCMEC
• Progress and Freedom Foundation
• Sentinel Tech
• Symantec
• Verizon
• WiredSafety.org
• Xanga
• Yahoo!
The Berkman Center Announces Formation of Internet Safety Task Force - Berkman Center for Internet & Society
Announcement of the formation of the task force and our involvement, as WiredSafety.org, as a member.The Berkman Center Announces Formation of Internet Safety Task Force - Berkman Center for Internet & Society
MySpace and Attorney General Task force announced on cybersafety initiatives and investigations
Today MySpace will announce the compilation of an industry and expert task force, as promised in their agreement with the 49 states attorneys general several months ago.
Headed by an esteemed professor from the Berkman Center, it will contain representatives from the industry and other Web 2.0 networks, non-profits and technology providers, among others.
I agreed to join the task force and to work with others to review what is being done and what can be done to make all Internet users safer and better informed.
It's a start. One of many.
wish us luck.
Parry Aftab
and WiredSafety
Headed by an esteemed professor from the Berkman Center, it will contain representatives from the industry and other Web 2.0 networks, non-profits and technology providers, among others.
I agreed to join the task force and to work with others to review what is being done and what can be done to make all Internet users safer and better informed.
It's a start. One of many.
wish us luck.
Parry Aftab
and WiredSafety
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
Social Networking Sites, A Parent Trap? | WDTV CBS 5 - News, Weather and Sports - Bridgeport - Clarksburg, WV Bridgeport/Clarksburg, WV | Local News
kids getting parents into trouble, a new twist on safetySocial Networking Sites, A Parent Trap? | WDTV CBS 5 - News, Weather and Sports - Bridgeport - Clarksburg, WV Bridgeport/Clarksburg, WV | Local News
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Growing up online...and other risks
Birthparents being outed and birthparents finding their birthkids are problems few address when dealing with the Internet. It's a wonderful place to find long lost relatives and friends, but what if you don't want to be found?
Friday, February 22, 2008
Deeya Nayar-Nambiar: Red Alert
An interesting blog I will be watching.Deeya Nayar-Nambiar: Red Alert
Thursday, February 21, 2008
The Graphic - SGA, Juicy site go national
When does the CDA limitation of liability end and responsibility for promoting hate and harassment start?The Graphic - SGA, Juicy site go national
Sunday, February 10, 2008
3DWiredSafety: Wired Kids Summit Behind the Scenes
behind the scenes at our annual summit. this year tweens and teens form Canada and throughout the US presented to a packed house of industry, government and media. More to follow.3DWiredSafety: Wired Kids Summit Behind the Scenes
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Saturday, February 02, 2008
The Tyra Banks Show: ATTENTION PARENTS! Protect Your Child From Cyber Bullies Archives
Tyra takes on cyberbullying in a way no one else can. Together with Tina Meier, the new honorary chair of The Megan Pledge program of Stopcyberbullying.org, and our teenangels (teenangels.org), the audience of middle schoolers learned how to deal with cyberbullying and how to avoid becoming one. We at wiredsafety.org cannot thank Tyra enough for her serious treatment of this secret epidemic.
Thank you.
The Tyra Banks Show: ATTENTION PARENTS! Protect Your Child From Cyber Bullies Archives
Thank you.
The Tyra Banks Show: ATTENTION PARENTS! Protect Your Child From Cyber Bullies Archives
Thursday, January 31, 2008
bollestechguy - Video Xanga
The Bolles School chapter of our teenangels.org group created a video terasing us about our requirement that they submit a proposal for our wired kids summit presentations. In mock 20/20 format, these teens talk about the earth-shattering requirement of the "proposal!" :-) I think they have too much time on their hands. I need to give them more assignments. lol. The teenangels are hosting a summit in DC at Congress. Feb 6th.bollestechguy - Video Xanga
Imbee.com Settles FTC Charges Social Networking Site for Kids Violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act; Settlement Includes $130,000 Civil Penalty
I had spoken to the founders of this site two years ago. I was concerned then that people who don't understand the legal implications of dealing with kids online were entering the space. I know they mean well and have a good idea for building kids sites, but when you play in the kids space online, there has to be more than good intentions.
The FTC has once again shown the power of COPPA sanctions.
Good job!Imbee.com Settles FTC Charges Social Networking Site for Kids Violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act; Settlement Includes $130,000 Civil Penalty
The FTC has once again shown the power of COPPA sanctions.
Good job!Imbee.com Settles FTC Charges Social Networking Site for Kids Violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act; Settlement Includes $130,000 Civil Penalty
Monday, January 28, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008
The naked truth: No privacy online -- themorningcall.com
as more and more young people post stupid things online, take naked pictures and send them to others in cyberspace and share secrets on their profiles, I ask..."what were you thinking?"The naked truth: No privacy online -- themorningcall.com
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
ABC News: High School Athletes End Up on Porn Sites
hen creeps take pictures of teens and preteens at sporting events and post them online for sexual stimulation.ABC News: High School Athletes End Up on Porn Sites
MySpace Announces New Safety Measures to Protect Children from Online Predators
the transcript of my Today Show appearance last week. Note the misspelling of my firs name.MySpace Announces New Safety Measures to Protect Children from Online Predators
TLF: USA Today, age verification, and the death of online anonymity
Read my comment on why age- verification can't be used on a free general audience site for minors.TLF: USA Today, age verification, and the death of online anonymity
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Police fear internet cult inspires teen suicides - Telegraph
Many teens commit suicide in a small town in South Wales, England. There are people pointing fingers at Bebo, a popular social network. But in our experience, Bebo is one of the good social networks, caring about their users and listening. This is not the problem of one webiste, it's the problem of teens thinking suicide is an option. It's can't be.Police fear internet cult inspires teen suicides - Telegraph
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
The Eight Annual Wired Kids Summit
.jpg)
Given by teens and preteens for adults in the industry, media and government, this is one of the hottest invites each year. On February 6th in DC, the Teenangels and Tweenangels (you saw them in the Frontline special) will teach adult what they need to know about kids online and safety.
Seats are very limited, but I am still considering requests.
Parry
San Jose Mercury News - On the Net, bullying takes an insidious turn
When mothers act out and target kids, we have to do something. At least the LA Prosecutor is trying!San Jose Mercury News - On the Net, bullying takes an insidious turn
Monday, January 21, 2008
Oshkosh Northwestern - Student gains confidence through school announcements
It's Wired Kids Summit time again. Feb 6th in DC. For an invite, contact me at parry@aftab.com.Oshkosh Northwestern - Student gains confidence through school announcements
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Beating the cyberbullies
Good article, but don't rely on a print out to help in any case of cyberbullying. YOu need the live version of the communication to track the cyberbreadcrumbs. Visit stopcyberbullying.org for more info on what to do when cyberbullying happens.
Beating the cyberbullies
Beating the cyberbullies
Friday, January 18, 2008
Thursday, January 17, 2008
MySpace Bug Leaks 'Private' Teen Photos to Voyeurs
When does "private" not mean "private?"MySpace Bug Leaks 'Private' Teen Photos to Voyeurs
Safety on the 'Net (phillyBurbs.com) | Editorials
report on myspace deal wth the AGs.Safety on the 'Net (phillyBurbs.com) | Editorials
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Texas Lawyer Blog: Texas AG says no to MySpace agreement
why AG Abbott decided not to sign the MySpace deal.Texas Lawyer Blog: Texas AG says no to MySpace agreement
Economist.com's new online debate series and Parry's comments on learning in a social network environment
It takes a teacher who cares, who is willing to take the time to explore and engage her/his students in exploring. Valerie Schmitz heads one of our Teenangels chapters and is a brilliant educator. I highlighted one of her projects in my debate response. Let me know what you think.Economist.com
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
FRONTLINE: coming soon: growing up online | PBS
this special took more than a year to plan and execute. It is a complete look at the issues. I look forward to watching it. I enjoyed helping them develop the special. It's a must watch.FRONTLINE: coming soon: growing up online | PBS
Monday, January 14, 2008
MySpace, States Agree To Child Safeguards, Social Networking Site Will Make Changes Aimed At Thwarting Sexual Predators, Other Abuses - CBS News
Looking forward to seeing how this evoloves.MySpace, States Agree To Child Safeguards, Social Networking Site Will Make Changes Aimed At Thwarting Sexual Predators, Other Abuses - CBS News
Terre Haute, Indiana Weather, News, Sports and Entertainment WTHI.com, News 10, Leading the Way! | Indiana attorney general wants MySpace use illegal for sex offenders
Same misquote. The correction is that I estimate that 20% of teens have met someone in real life that they had only previously met online. Real life meetings of Internet strangers.Terre Haute, Indiana Weather, News, Sports and Entertainment WTHI.com, News 10, Leading the Way! | Indiana attorney general wants MySpace use illegal for sex offenders
The Associated Press: MySpace Agrees to New Safety Measures
The article should have said that I estimate that 20% teens have met people from the Internet offline that they didn't know in real life. I think this is a good first step and I congratuate the 49 AGs for staying on this issue. I also want people to know that MySpace really does care and work on this issue. It's just one that can't be totally solve, not yet.
But good first big step.
The Associated Press: MySpace Agrees to New Safety Measures
But good first big step.
The Associated Press: MySpace Agrees to New Safety Measures
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Celebrating the life of Nigel Williams
Sometimes you remember those people who are gone but had an enormous affect on your life. Nigel Williams was one of those. I miss him still.Celebrating the life of Nigel Williams
JS Online: Teen warns about dangers of downloading
this story shares the real cost of "free" movies. Piracy doesn't pay!JS Online: Teen warns about dangers of downloading
Nick Lachey Launches Online Venture - Nick Lachey : People.com
although yfly has gone the way of many cyberventures...I couldn't miss this opportunity to highlight Nick and how kind and cute he is.Nick Lachey Launches Online Venture - Nick Lachey : People.com
Communication and Education Key to Keeping Kids Safe Online - Government Technology
Teenangels (teenangels.org), my expert teens present to the Governator, and are praised as among the most informative group at the summit!Communication and Education Key to Keeping Kids Safe Online - Government Technology
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Technology News: Blogosphere: Boys Post Video, Girls Blog, Both Hate E-Mail
How safe are kids on social networks? how many are using privacy settings? and what does that mean, really? Technology News: Blogosphere: Boys Post Video, Girls Blog, Both Hate E-Mail
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
ABC News: Radio Host Claims 'Research' Into Child Porn
There is no excuse for possession of child porn. Media and journalists have used this excuse before. But when somone kicked the tires of their excuse, they were found to be doing what they were caught doing...downloading, possessing and transmitting child pornography.
Law enforcement have worked for years with journalists doing credible and verified research. I don't know this radio show host and don't want to comment on his guilt or innocence. But I can comment on his wisdom.
ABC News: Radio Host Claims 'Research' Into Child Porn
Law enforcement have worked for years with journalists doing credible and verified research. I don't know this radio show host and don't want to comment on his guilt or innocence. But I can comment on his wisdom.
ABC News: Radio Host Claims 'Research' Into Child Porn
The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet » Blog Archive » Catching a Predator
This greenroom interview rounds out the interview on the show. Why would a mother marry someone who was arrested and convicted for trying to have sex with a 14 yr old virgin? The story is in this month's glamour magazine. Another story of a spouse who had ot deal with the call that her husband was caught on Dateline's To Catch a Predator and was in jail is in Chrish Hansen's book, To Catch a Predator. I highly reocmmend it. It's more than stories of the show, it's everything you need to know to keep your kids afe online.The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet » Blog Archive » Catching a Predator
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Sex predator: News: glamour.com
I put this under my "what were you thinking" category of situations. One of Dateline's To Catch a Predator predators was arrested for attempting to meet a 14-year-old virgin for sex. While none of us can really know who we are in love with, once we are fortunate enough to learn something we should have known, we can run and not walk as fast as we can in the opposite direction.
Sex predator: News: glamour.com
In addition, while this article states it is the first time the spouse of opne of the people caught in the sting came forward, it's not. Chris Hansen's book of the same name as his Dateline series, To Catch A Predator, tells the story of another woman who learned that her spouse was arrested after being caught on camera.
She left him, as fast as she could. No looking back. No second thoughts.
amen.
Parry
Sex predator: News: glamour.com
In addition, while this article states it is the first time the spouse of opne of the people caught in the sting came forward, it's not. Chris Hansen's book of the same name as his Dateline series, To Catch A Predator, tells the story of another woman who learned that her spouse was arrested after being caught on camera.
She left him, as fast as she could. No looking back. No second thoughts.
amen.
Parry
Friday, December 07, 2007
A Video Posted Online Poses a Riddle for Police - New York Times
fight videos online...a growing and disturbing trend.A Video Posted Online Poses a Riddle for Police - fight videosNew York Times
Monday, December 03, 2007
Friday, November 30, 2007
Frail egos caught in killer net - World - smh.com.au
Megan Meier dies because of a horrible "prank"Frail egos caught in killer net - World - smh.com.au
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Nation & World | Frontier justice in an online world? | Seattle Times Newspaper
Megan Meier's suicide, and a very well done set of facts. What wasn't noted, though, is that Megan's parents used a keystroke logger and monitoring software and captured all communications to Megan.Nation & World | Frontier justice in an online world? | Seattle Times Newspaper
Sunday, November 25, 2007
South Bend Tribune: 'He didn't need to take a course'
When prisoners jailed for sexual offenses online get reduced sentences for taking a computer course.South Bend Tribune: 'He didn't need to take a course'
Saturday, November 24, 2007
In MySpace suicide case, community fights back - Los Angeles Times
The mayor in this town gets it, and cares. But we need more than local misdemeanors to stop this kind of behavior. When are we going to say "enough is enough"? When will start holding people accountable for t5heir actions online?
In MySpace suicide case, community fights back - Los Angeles Times
In MySpace suicide case, community fights back - Los Angeles Times
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Cyberbullying Suicide Stokes the Internet Fury Machine
"outing" cyberstyle. When people online seek justice.Cyberbullying Suicide Stokes the Internet Fury Machine
» Web safety pork: House offers $25m to Hollywood-linked group | ZDNet Government | ZDNet.com
I have never been able to understand how i-safe manages ot get all the money when better programs are out there, doing a better job, for far less money.» Web safety pork: House offers $25m to Hollywood-linked group | ZDNet Government | ZDNet.com
CRM News: Privacy: UK Taxman Loses 25 Million Citizen Records
what were they thinking? 25 million people exposed through careless loss of data. CRM News: Privacy: UK Taxman Loses 25 Million Citizen Records
Teens Learn Lesson In Online Vulnerability, Predators Prey On Kids With Personal Information In Their Online Profiles - CBS News
Katie shows a great student project designed ot keep the students safer online.Teens Learn Lesson In Online Vulnerability, Predators Prey On Kids With Personal Information In Their Online Profiles - CBS News
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
How to punish a cyber-bully - Los Angeles Times
The "poorly written" law referenced in this article was blogged below. I disagree about whether it applies. I think it does. Hopefully the US Attorney agrees.How to punish a cyber-bully - Los Angeles Times
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
communicate with someone online anonymously, with an intent to annoy and go to jail.
I have been doing a great deal of media recently on the harassment of a thirteen yr old girl by an adult neighbor. The adult posed as a cute boy and used this mask to harass an emotionally fragile girl. The young teen hanged herself.
Many have asked about the law I have referenced that IMHO can be used ot charge this adult.
It was signed into law in early 2006 with little hoopla. It is an amendment to the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act. Those convicted can face up to two years in prison and heavy fines.
Anonymous communications are key to triggering this law.
"Whoever...utilizes any device or software that can be used to originate telecommunications or other types of communications that are transmitted, in whole or in part, by the Internet... without disclosing his identity and with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten, or harass any person...who receives the communications...shall be fined under title 18 or imprisoned not more than two years, or both."
The new Sec. 113 within this law is called "Preventing Cyberstalking." It amends the existing federal telephone harassment and stalking law to prohibit anyone from using the Internet "without disclosing his identity and with intent to annoy."
Parry
Many have asked about the law I have referenced that IMHO can be used ot charge this adult.
It was signed into law in early 2006 with little hoopla. It is an amendment to the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act. Those convicted can face up to two years in prison and heavy fines.
Anonymous communications are key to triggering this law.
"Whoever...utilizes any device or software that can be used to originate telecommunications or other types of communications that are transmitted, in whole or in part, by the Internet... without disclosing his identity and with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten, or harass any person...who receives the communications...shall be fined under title 18 or imprisoned not more than two years, or both."
The new Sec. 113 within this law is called "Preventing Cyberstalking." It amends the existing federal telephone harassment and stalking law to prohibit anyone from using the Internet "without disclosing his identity and with intent to annoy."
Parry
Monday, November 19, 2007
13 year olds and their friend's moms. When meanmessages can kill.
I have been doing non-stop TV, magazines and newspaper stories on cyberbullying this past week. Why? Because parents in St. Louis just discovered that the teen they thought was romancing and then harassing their thirteen year old last year, driving her to suicide, was really one of their neighbors. Not another teen. But the mother of another teen, assisted by an 18 year old "employed" by the family.
My most copied sound bite on this is "When adults act like children, there are grown-up consequences."
A recent federal law covers anonymous communications designed to annoy someone. At first we didn't know that this other mom had sent e-mails and IMs to the bullied teen. We thought that we had to turn to other, less powerful, laws to get criminal redress. This law doesn't cover posts on MySpace, just direct communications to the target.
Once we learned that the victim's mother had used a monitoring software and had copies of the communications, I was convinced that the federal law would apply.
The FBI is charged with its investigation, as well.
Even if, for some reason, the law won't work in this case, the victim's parents can sue the other parent. There are a laundry list of things she could be sued for. But something needs to be done.
We have a big enough problem with kids cyberbullying each other and adults cyberharassing one another, but when adults decide to use the Internet as a weapon against someone a third of their age, we have to do something.
And it's also time to amend the federal law to cover posts made anonymously with an intent to annoy. we need all the help we can get. And fewer parents like the one who launched this attack. I don't know how she sleeps at night.
my 2 cents.
Parry
My most copied sound bite on this is "When adults act like children, there are grown-up consequences."
A recent federal law covers anonymous communications designed to annoy someone. At first we didn't know that this other mom had sent e-mails and IMs to the bullied teen. We thought that we had to turn to other, less powerful, laws to get criminal redress. This law doesn't cover posts on MySpace, just direct communications to the target.
Once we learned that the victim's mother had used a monitoring software and had copies of the communications, I was convinced that the federal law would apply.
The FBI is charged with its investigation, as well.
Even if, for some reason, the law won't work in this case, the victim's parents can sue the other parent. There are a laundry list of things she could be sued for. But something needs to be done.
We have a big enough problem with kids cyberbullying each other and adults cyberharassing one another, but when adults decide to use the Internet as a weapon against someone a third of their age, we have to do something.
And it's also time to amend the federal law to cover posts made anonymously with an intent to annoy. we need all the help we can get. And fewer parents like the one who launched this attack. I don't know how she sleeps at night.
my 2 cents.
Parry
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Net hoax turns deadly, turns town against neighbors -- chicagotribune.com
When adults act like children, there should be criminal consequences. This article failed ot mention the state cyberharassment laws which should cover this situation. I also think it's time to amend the federal law to cover postings, not just direct communications.Net hoax turns deadly, turns town against neighbors -- chicagotribune.com
Friday, November 16, 2007
Use of the Internet by Terrorists 202123-1 : C-SPAN Video Library, Created by Cable. Offered as a Public Service.
Parry's testimony before Congress on radicalization of the Internet and influencers of young people online.Use of the Internet by Terrorists 202123-1 : C-SPAN Video Library, Created by Cable. Offered as a Public Service.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Bob Sullivan talks about a hidden risk of P2P.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Trench Coat wanna-bes and troubled youth.
While most cybersafety media is focussed on sexual predators, few have paid enough attention to sites that encourage dangerous behaviors. Misinformation and hype, gang recruitments, terrorism sympathizers, cutting, suicide, eating disorders...there is so much more that the media misses. We have bored and connected teens, little supervision and many many disenfranchised, lonely and bullied young people looking for a place to feel accepted.
Expect to see more, not less of this.
Attorney: Finnish school shooter had chatted with US teen online about Columbine massacre
The Associated Press
Published: November 12, 2007
PHILADELPHIA: A teenager who admitted plotting a school attack near Philadelphia had chatted online about the famous Columbine massacre with a teenage outcast who killed eight people and himself in a high school shooting in Finland, the American boy's attorney said Monday.
But the U.S. teen was "horrified" when he found out about the Finnish attack and said he never would have suspected him of following through on a violent act, the attorney said.
Finnish police said material seized from the computer of Pekka-Eric Auvinen suggests the 18-year-old had communicated online with Dillon Cossey, 14, who was arrested in October for allegedly preparing a attack at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School in suburban Philadelphia.
Cossey's attorney, J. David Farrell, said he showed Auvinen's online screen name to his client Monday, and Cossey remembered communicating with him about video games and the 1999 Columbine massacre in Colorado and exchanging videos they found on the Internet.
"They had discussed certain video games and shared videos with each other," Farrell said. "Obviously, Columbine was a shared topic of interest."
Auvinen killed six students, a nurse and the principal Wednesday in Tuusula, about 30 miles (48.28 kilometers) north of the Finnish capital, Helsinki. He then shot himself in the head, and died hours later at a hospital.
Police in Finland said they had not yet been in contact with their U.S. colleagues about a possible link between the two teens.
In Pennsylvania, detectives were running the name of the Finnish shooter through the computer seized from Cossey, who admitted in juvenile court to planning an attack.
"We had heard when we first got this guy that he had contacted other people through Web sites," Plymouth Township Deputy Chief Joe Lawrence said. "We wouldn't be shocked by it."
Tipped off by a boy Cossey tried to recruit, Pennsylvania authorities searched his home last month. They found a rifle, about 30 air-powered guns modeled to look like higher-powered weapons, swords, knives, a bomb-making book, videos of the 1999 Columbine attack and violence-filled notebooks.
Finnish investigators have said Auvinen left a suicide note for his family and foreshadowed the attack in YouTube postings. On Monday, Rabbe von Hertzen, a detective in the case, said Auvinen is believed to have written the suicide note on Nov. 5, suggesting he had planned the attacks for at least two days.
Police have described Auvinen as a bullied teenage outcast consumed with anger against society.
Cossey told a friend that he wanted to pull off an attack similar to Columbine. Prosecutors and Farrell have said he felt bullied.
Two weeks after his arrest, Cossey admitted to three felonies — criminal solicitation, risking a catastrophe and possession of an instrument of crime — in juvenile court. He is now in juvenile custody, where he could remain for up to six-and-a-half years.
The attack on the Pennsylvania school never took place.
Authorities have accused Cossey's mother, Michele, of helping him build his weapons stash. She is charged with illegally buying her son a .22-caliber handgun, a .22-caliber rifle and the 9 mm semiautomatic rifle, which had a laser scope. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 13.
Farrell said he does not know whether Dillon Cossey had contact with other people who could pose similar threats, but planned to explore that possibility with investigators and his client.
___
Associated Press Writer Jari Tanner contributed to this report from Helsinki, Finland.
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/11/12/america/NA-GEN-US-Finland-School-Shooting.php
Expect to see more, not less of this.
Attorney: Finnish school shooter had chatted with US teen online about Columbine massacre
The Associated Press
Published: November 12, 2007
PHILADELPHIA: A teenager who admitted plotting a school attack near Philadelphia had chatted online about the famous Columbine massacre with a teenage outcast who killed eight people and himself in a high school shooting in Finland, the American boy's attorney said Monday.
But the U.S. teen was "horrified" when he found out about the Finnish attack and said he never would have suspected him of following through on a violent act, the attorney said.
Finnish police said material seized from the computer of Pekka-Eric Auvinen suggests the 18-year-old had communicated online with Dillon Cossey, 14, who was arrested in October for allegedly preparing a attack at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School in suburban Philadelphia.
Cossey's attorney, J. David Farrell, said he showed Auvinen's online screen name to his client Monday, and Cossey remembered communicating with him about video games and the 1999 Columbine massacre in Colorado and exchanging videos they found on the Internet.
"They had discussed certain video games and shared videos with each other," Farrell said. "Obviously, Columbine was a shared topic of interest."
Auvinen killed six students, a nurse and the principal Wednesday in Tuusula, about 30 miles (48.28 kilometers) north of the Finnish capital, Helsinki. He then shot himself in the head, and died hours later at a hospital.
Police in Finland said they had not yet been in contact with their U.S. colleagues about a possible link between the two teens.
In Pennsylvania, detectives were running the name of the Finnish shooter through the computer seized from Cossey, who admitted in juvenile court to planning an attack.
"We had heard when we first got this guy that he had contacted other people through Web sites," Plymouth Township Deputy Chief Joe Lawrence said. "We wouldn't be shocked by it."
Tipped off by a boy Cossey tried to recruit, Pennsylvania authorities searched his home last month. They found a rifle, about 30 air-powered guns modeled to look like higher-powered weapons, swords, knives, a bomb-making book, videos of the 1999 Columbine attack and violence-filled notebooks.
Finnish investigators have said Auvinen left a suicide note for his family and foreshadowed the attack in YouTube postings. On Monday, Rabbe von Hertzen, a detective in the case, said Auvinen is believed to have written the suicide note on Nov. 5, suggesting he had planned the attacks for at least two days.
Police have described Auvinen as a bullied teenage outcast consumed with anger against society.
Cossey told a friend that he wanted to pull off an attack similar to Columbine. Prosecutors and Farrell have said he felt bullied.
Two weeks after his arrest, Cossey admitted to three felonies — criminal solicitation, risking a catastrophe and possession of an instrument of crime — in juvenile court. He is now in juvenile custody, where he could remain for up to six-and-a-half years.
The attack on the Pennsylvania school never took place.
Authorities have accused Cossey's mother, Michele, of helping him build his weapons stash. She is charged with illegally buying her son a .22-caliber handgun, a .22-caliber rifle and the 9 mm semiautomatic rifle, which had a laser scope. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 13.
Farrell said he does not know whether Dillon Cossey had contact with other people who could pose similar threats, but planned to explore that possibility with investigators and his client.
___
Associated Press Writer Jari Tanner contributed to this report from Helsinki, Finland.
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/11/12/america/NA-GEN-US-Finland-School-Shooting.php
copycats in Finland
Finnish police arrest youth after YouTube massacre threat
21 hours ago
HELSINKI (AFP) — Finnish police have detained a teenage boy who allegedly posted a video on YouTube threatening a massacre similar to the one that occurred last week at a high school in Finland.
The 16-year-old was arrested on Friday in Maaninka, some 400 kilometres (250 miles) north of Helsinki, and questioned the following day, a police spokesman said. Authorities also seized his computer.
Titled "Maaninka massacre", the video is about 30 seconds long and shows the teenager's "school and a person with a weapon in hand", the spokesman said.
He said the teen had told police "it was a joke, that he had no intention" of carrying out the massacre. The suspect remains under investigation, although police have not said whether he was still in custody.
Eight people, including five teenage boys, the headmistress, a female nurse and a single mother, were killed in Wednesday's shooting at Jokela high school in southern Finland.
The shooter, 18-year-old Pekka-Eric Auvinen, also shot himself and later died of his injuries.
Finns paid tribute to the victims in church services nationwide Sunday. A mass at a church in Tuusula, the city of 35,000 where the tragedy occurred, was broadcast live on public television.
Police said Auvinen had posted a video threat on YouTube, a video-sharing website, two days before the shooting spree.
Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen called Sunday for greater international cooperation to monitor information on the Internet in the wake of the tragedy.
"We need to solve the question (of cooperation), see if there's something that can be done on an international scale, how officials can find messages for example on the basis of a password," he told the Finnish Yle radio.
"The most important thing is the balance between control and freedom."
The shooting left Finland on edge, with police on Friday briefly surrounding two other schools after Internet threats of further attacks.
Vanhanen described the Jokela killings as "an extreme case" of a problem that was not unique to Finland, and appeared skeptical about stepping up security in Finnish schools.
"The idea of armed guards is very strange for Finland," he said.
Finnish investigators have been looking into an Internet page that Auvinen subscribed to, thought to belong to a youth arrested in the United States for allegedly planning a school massacre.
Auvinen also posted videos under a pseudonym paying tribute to, among others, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, who killed 12 schoolmates at Columbine High School in the United States in 1999.
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5iPqHdZ5XUw3sobZ5Jdct3VAHmpjA
21 hours ago
HELSINKI (AFP) — Finnish police have detained a teenage boy who allegedly posted a video on YouTube threatening a massacre similar to the one that occurred last week at a high school in Finland.
The 16-year-old was arrested on Friday in Maaninka, some 400 kilometres (250 miles) north of Helsinki, and questioned the following day, a police spokesman said. Authorities also seized his computer.
Titled "Maaninka massacre", the video is about 30 seconds long and shows the teenager's "school and a person with a weapon in hand", the spokesman said.
He said the teen had told police "it was a joke, that he had no intention" of carrying out the massacre. The suspect remains under investigation, although police have not said whether he was still in custody.
Eight people, including five teenage boys, the headmistress, a female nurse and a single mother, were killed in Wednesday's shooting at Jokela high school in southern Finland.
The shooter, 18-year-old Pekka-Eric Auvinen, also shot himself and later died of his injuries.
Finns paid tribute to the victims in church services nationwide Sunday. A mass at a church in Tuusula, the city of 35,000 where the tragedy occurred, was broadcast live on public television.
Police said Auvinen had posted a video threat on YouTube, a video-sharing website, two days before the shooting spree.
Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen called Sunday for greater international cooperation to monitor information on the Internet in the wake of the tragedy.
"We need to solve the question (of cooperation), see if there's something that can be done on an international scale, how officials can find messages for example on the basis of a password," he told the Finnish Yle radio.
"The most important thing is the balance between control and freedom."
The shooting left Finland on edge, with police on Friday briefly surrounding two other schools after Internet threats of further attacks.
Vanhanen described the Jokela killings as "an extreme case" of a problem that was not unique to Finland, and appeared skeptical about stepping up security in Finnish schools.
"The idea of armed guards is very strange for Finland," he said.
Finnish investigators have been looking into an Internet page that Auvinen subscribed to, thought to belong to a youth arrested in the United States for allegedly planning a school massacre.
Auvinen also posted videos under a pseudonym paying tribute to, among others, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, who killed 12 schoolmates at Columbine High School in the United States in 1999.
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5iPqHdZ5XUw3sobZ5Jdct3VAHmpjA
The cyber school for killers - Times Online
First article breaking possibility of connection between wanna-be shooter Dillon Cossey in the US and shooter in Finland.The cyber school for killers - Times Online
Dillon Cossey...and online networking
Recent reports disclose that Dillon told his lawyer he had been in touch with the Finnish attacker.
This isn't surprising, given that many troubled young people are finding their heroes and ways to communicate with like-minded troubled youth online. Networking is networking. Whether we do it for dates, to promote our cause or products, to learn about others and other places, to share our opinions or ranks, all of us are networking and communicating with others online.
I testified before Congress last week, on Homeland Security and radicalization. We are seeing a small but growing trend of young people being recruited by radical and terrorist groups and becoming sympathetic based on misinformation and flashy YouTube videos.
Many young people are looking for a place where they are understood and accepted. And these kinds of places provide that. Some are bored and looking for thrills and risk. These do that too. Some are victims of bullying or cyberbullying and looking for revenge. The Internet, as wonderful as it can be, is an "equal opportunity offender." And law enforcement agencies are already trakcing traffic to certain sites and, I suspect, will do more of this on large social networks and video networks.
I would have been surprised had Dillon not tried to reach out to other like-minded people. What surprises me, though, is that his lawyer could have allegedly shared this information with the media. I would have thought these facts would have been privileged.
from one puzzled lawyer...
Parry
This isn't surprising, given that many troubled young people are finding their heroes and ways to communicate with like-minded troubled youth online. Networking is networking. Whether we do it for dates, to promote our cause or products, to learn about others and other places, to share our opinions or ranks, all of us are networking and communicating with others online.
I testified before Congress last week, on Homeland Security and radicalization. We are seeing a small but growing trend of young people being recruited by radical and terrorist groups and becoming sympathetic based on misinformation and flashy YouTube videos.
Many young people are looking for a place where they are understood and accepted. And these kinds of places provide that. Some are bored and looking for thrills and risk. These do that too. Some are victims of bullying or cyberbullying and looking for revenge. The Internet, as wonderful as it can be, is an "equal opportunity offender." And law enforcement agencies are already trakcing traffic to certain sites and, I suspect, will do more of this on large social networks and video networks.
I would have been surprised had Dillon not tried to reach out to other like-minded people. What surprises me, though, is that his lawyer could have allegedly shared this information with the media. I would have thought these facts would have been privileged.
from one puzzled lawyer...
Parry
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Craigslist murder case....
Tonight I appeared on CNN to discuss the recent arrest of the defendant in the Craigslist-related murder case. A young college graduate found a babysitting job offer on Criagslist and arranged to mee the person posting the job. It is still not known where the meeting took place, but her purse and a bloody cloth were found in a trash can in a local park. Her body was found later in the trunk of her car.
This is a tragedy. My deepest sympathies are extended to her family and loved ones.
But this is not the first murder of its kind. Just the first one associated with Craigslist.
The job offer ploy has been used since jobs were first invented. They are commonplace offline and growingly commonplace online. Offline you may be able to use your senses to find some obvious scammers (such as a nineteen-year-old seeking a babysitter) or someone who is drinking, or otherwise a bit creepy. But online everyone is who they want you to think they are.
I do TV over and over on these things. But they keep occuring. According to early reports, her family warned her not to meet this person alone. But she ignored their advice.
For what it's worth:
Never meet anyone from the Internet in real life unless you are accompanied by friends, preferably sumo-wrestlers.
Always meet in a public place where there are lots of people and someone will notice any distress.
Get offline references (he could easily be anyone else online, as well as himself), and check them.
Get a phone number that works, and test it.
Do a reverse name search online to see if it's a listed number.
If in doubt, pass on it.
If you suspect anything, leave at once and drive to a police station, not stright home.
Report it to help save the next person who may not be as careful.
Bottomline, when it comes to adults, your safety is in your hands!
This is a tragedy. My deepest sympathies are extended to her family and loved ones.
But this is not the first murder of its kind. Just the first one associated with Craigslist.
The job offer ploy has been used since jobs were first invented. They are commonplace offline and growingly commonplace online. Offline you may be able to use your senses to find some obvious scammers (such as a nineteen-year-old seeking a babysitter) or someone who is drinking, or otherwise a bit creepy. But online everyone is who they want you to think they are.
I do TV over and over on these things. But they keep occuring. According to early reports, her family warned her not to meet this person alone. But she ignored their advice.
For what it's worth:
Never meet anyone from the Internet in real life unless you are accompanied by friends, preferably sumo-wrestlers.
Always meet in a public place where there are lots of people and someone will notice any distress.
Get offline references (he could easily be anyone else online, as well as himself), and check them.
Get a phone number that works, and test it.
Do a reverse name search online to see if it's a listed number.
If in doubt, pass on it.
If you suspect anything, leave at once and drive to a police station, not stright home.
Report it to help save the next person who may not be as careful.
Bottomline, when it comes to adults, your safety is in your hands!
Friday, November 09, 2007
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
WRCB TV - Channel 3 - Chattanooga, Tennessee
Newscast of Teenangels sharing their expertise on game safety....WRCB TV - Channel 3 - Chattanooga, Tennessee
WRCB TV - Channel 3 - Chattanooga, Tennessee
A couple of our Nashville Teenangels advise on game safety. (Teenangels.org)WRCB TV - Channel 3 - Chattanooga, Tennessee
Experts urge assault against terrorists' Web efforts (11/6/07) -- www.GovernmentExecutive.com
There's more ot my testimony than not shutting down the Internet to protect against terrorism activity and recruitment online. Many of our young people are more vulnerable to extremist recruitment than any of us could conceive. We need ot add the risks of radicalization to the other risks our young people are exposed to online. There's more to this than sexual predators.Experts urge assault against terrorists' Web efforts (11/6/07) -- www.GovernmentExecutive.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)