There’s an important new study out that offers some historical analysis of spectrum auctions and how they can best be fashioned to benefit the economy and consumers . The study, by Georgetown University’s Center for Business and Public Policy visiting senior policy scholar... Read The Story...

As we complete our holiday shopping, it’s particularly important to remember that not all websites are reputable. The TODAY Show ran a segment yesterday that showed the importance of checking into websites before making a purchase – an important step to avoid potential cybersecurity threats and individuals who attempt to steal your personal information. The segment provided important tips and information: 1) search the site name to see if any information or reviews come up about that particular site 2) be aware that sponsored ads on search engines are not screened — site owners are only required to pay a few dollars in order to purchase an ad for their site 3) if a deal is too good to be true, it probably is.

Watch the TODAY Show segment

download Lawman

for more information on ways to avoid individuals who are a threat to your security and privacy online. Don’t forget to make sure you double-check a site before making an online purchase. Happy Holidays!

• downey holmes

On November 19, the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital released their National Poll on Children’s Health, which examined parents’ attitudes toward their children using the Internet. The poll

sherlock holmes 2009

found that, “more than four in five parents say their children use the Internet without adult supervision, but at the same time almost two-thirds are worried about online predators.” The results of this poll remind us that education is the key to a safe online experience for our children.

The Internet opens an incredible world of opportunity for our children to learn and access information. New technologies have allowed for easier access to the Internet, with cell phones functioning as portable computers and high-speed Internet access has become a reality for most schools. As the online world is an integral part of our everyday lives, we should be responsible for teaching younger generations how to properly use the Internet and avoid any potential dangers.

download Picnic

In order for children to realize the benefits of the Internet, parents need to educate them about what they could encounter online and the unintended consequences that might result from their actions. To be effective, this education should start sooner rather than later – as children as young as 2 and 3 years old are getting mobile devices. Guidelines and information, such as restrictions on use, regarding the online world are needed to help ensure that our kids are making safe and responsible decisions about their online activity.  The National Poll on Children’s Health reveals that as parents, we are responsible for teaching our children about good digital citizenship and having comprehensive discussions about the impact of other’s behavior.  With these discussions, parents will continue to worry while their kids may take unwise actions online that could haunt them well into the future.

Sign up to receive monthly

e-newsletters

These monthly messages will contain more resources and information for consumers.

Consumer Resources

Below are additional resources to more information about online privacy.

Consumer Guide to Online Privacy (PDF)
What is 4G Wireless Service? (PDF)
Consumer Online Privacy Survey
2008 Online Safety Survey
bNetS@vvy
www.onguardonline.gov
www.ikeepsafe.org/
www.getnetwise.org
www.fosi.org
www.enough.org

Other Organizations

National Caucus and Center on Black Aged:
http://www.ncba-aged.org/

National Consumers League:
http://www.nclnet.org/