Get Involved in the Family Online Safety Institute

The Age of Freeflowing Digital Content

We all believe in the value of the online world but we also know the dangers and the need to protect children from the worst of the web. But how? Should governments censor certain types of content or mandate the use of an adult label? Or can the international internet industry rally round a comprehensive and cohesive set of policies, technologies and public education messages and demonstrate, beyond any doubt, that it is capable of rising to the challenge of family protection? This is the critical question the Family Online Safety Institute responds to. FOSI, through its member companies, is at the forefront of industry efforts at self-regulation.

FOSI - Working To Develop A Safer Internet

FOSI is an international, non-profit membership organization with offices in the US and the UK. The Founding Members of the Institute include: AOL Europe, AT&T, British Telecom, Cisco, CompTIA, Crisp Thinking, France Telecom, GSM Association, Loopt, Mpower Media, Kingston Communications, Rulespace, Telefónica, Telmex, The Wireless Foundation, and Verizon.

There are four pillars to the work of the Institute:

• Technology - continuing the ground-breaking work of ICRA labels, the ICRAplus filter, ICRAchecked and many other innovations in the online safety field.
• Events - expanding our highly regarded international Roundtables to include larger seminars and conferences. The Institute hosts an annual two-day international conference, trade show and awards dinner to highlight the extraordinary work, products and services that exist today.
• Public Policy - developing our thought leadership and taking on the work of a think tank, producing high quality position papers, media appearances and editorial comment.
• Education - bringing together and highlighting the best of the safety messages, tools and methods to reach parents, children and care givers. We continually expand our efforts to educate and inform governments, regulators, the industry and the media around the world on a balanced approach to online safety.

How can I get involved?

The best way to get involved and support our mission is to join as a member.

• A demonstration of corporate social responsibility
• Networking opportunities with key industry players and policy-makers
• A seat on the Board of the Institute *(except Supporting Member)
• Participating in the development of the world's leading labeling system
• Participating and being featured in major national and international events
• Contributing to important public education messages and materials
• Promoting industry self-regulation
• Regular Industry updates
• Helping to protect your customers and your brand
• Awards and sponsorship opportunities
• Your company logo on our website, alongside a photo, bio and information about yourself and your company
• Free adjudication scheme through ICRAchecked

How much does it cost to join FOSI?

Membership is based on the size of your organization, and the annual costs are:

FOSI is a non-profit organization. Donations to help support our work are, of course, most welcome.

For details of Associate Membership, which allows individuals and webmasters of smaller companies to become involved in the Institute's work, please see the appropriate link below.

Next steps

• Contact FOSI
• Associate Membership