The Internet Crime Prevention Act of 2008 authorizes federally funded grants, distributed by the Department of Justice, for internet safety programs, including i-SAFE an innovative computer program for all ages. These programs teach children about avoiding predators on the internet, the dangers of sharing personal information, the harmful effects of cyber bullying and what is illegal to download.

Currently i-SAFE serves nearly 200,000 children in Massachusetts alone and hundreds of schools throughout our state have implemented the curriculum. The Internet Crime Prevention Act would ensure that more of our children would have access to these programs.

“We have a responsibility to protect our children from online predators. Programs like i-SAFE are critical in empowering children and parents to avoid dangerous, destructive or illegal behavior. Funding these programs is the smartest, most effective way of ensuring the safety of our children online,” said Senator Kerry.

i-SAFE is partnered with Microsoft, Verizon, Yahoo, VeriSign, schools, law enforcement, parents and other entities to enable citizens in all 50 states to remain safe from online predators, consumer fraud, bullying and many other online victimization schemes. The program was selected by the Department of Defense to provide its e-Safety curriculum to 221 schools in 13 countries throughout the world.

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