FOSI's 3rd European Conference in London
FOSI (Family Online Safety Institute) held their third European Conference at BT Centre in London on May 10th entitled ‘Is Every European a Digital Citizen?’. Details on the conference, including the agenda can be found at http://www.fosi.org/press-releases-2011/69-press-releases-2011/858-may-6-2011.html.
The conference heard from a number of notable speakers, with fascinating debates including data privacy, education and strategies. The ‘Crafting Public Policies in a Social Media World’ discussed not only European policies but also, with input from Lord Richard Allan (Facebook’s European Policy Director), aspects of Facebook terms and conditions with relation to data management. The panel also debated the minimum age of 13, included within so many providers conditions of use, and if this was still appropriate.
Will Gardner, Childnet CEO and representing the UK Safer Internet Centre, spoke about the new pilot helpline (www.saferinternet.org.uk/helpline) during his contribution to the ‘Coming to Terms with the New Digital Landscape’ panel.
Professor Tanya Byron injected aspects around the wider education policy in the UK especially around ICT and how the recent government change has apparently ignored the contribution that ICT makes to children’s education.
Amongst the summaries, Pat Manson (Head of Unit, eContent and Safer Internet, European Commission)declared her wish for a ‘Mother Teresa for Online Safety’, a figurehead that can traverse and represent all stakeholders and inspire children and young people; applications are open!