Statement of Microsoft Regarding GetNetWise and Children Online Safety Initiatives

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 29, 1999 — Joining industry colleagues, government officials and The Internet Education Foundation today for the launch of GetNetWise, Microsoft Corp. today reiterated its commitment to helping ensure that children can safely explore the Internet. Microsoft, a founding member and active participant in GetNetWise, will be linking to the GetNetWise site from its corporate home page, Microsoft.com, as well as its consumer MSN TM network of Internet services, MSN.com, to further support this industry initiative and ensure that these new safety resources reach as wide an audience as possible. Microsoft.com and MSN are two of the top 10 sites on the Internet.

“Providing parents, teachers, librarians and other adults with a comprehensive educational resource like GetNetWise is critical to safeguarding children on the Internet,”
said Bob Herbold, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Microsoft.
“We believe it’s also important that technological tools and adequate supervision are used as part of a complete solution to ensuring that the Internet is a safe, educational and entertaining place for young people to explore. Through features in Microsoft technology, working with organizations and law enforcement to encourage online safety, and providing education and resources to parents and children, Microsoft hopes to enhance the way young people learn, play and communicate in the digital age.”

In addition to its active and continued involvement with GetNetWise, Microsoft has recently participated in several programs designed to ensure that children have a positive and safe online experience. Last month, the company joined the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal to launch
“Stay Safe Online.”
Supported by a $1.5 million cash and software commitment from Microsoft and a $1 million commitment from O’Neal, the program integrates three strategies to help ensure that kids have a positive, safe online experience: education, adult supervision and technology. Fifteen pilot technology centers are opening at Boys & Girls Clubs around the country, outfitted with PCs, high-speed Internet access, and a wide range of software and peripherals. In order to gain access to the Internet, kids are required to complete a 15-minute interactive program designed to teach important safety lessons. Microsoft also trained staff at the technology centers to use the Internet Explorer Content Advisor, a simple but powerful technology that allows parents, educators and others to limit what children see on the Internet

For additional information on Microsoft Online Safety Initiatives, please visit http://www.microsoft.com/safekids/

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.

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