Press Release
Internet Matters has teamed up with DevicesDotNow to ensure society’s most vulnerable are getting connected during lockdown.
DevicesDotNow aims to help the 1.9million households who don’t have access to the internet and who are digitally excluded during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It has called on industry to help by donating tablets, smartphones, laptops, SIMs, portable hotspots, dongles or funding to improve connectivity.
Not-for-profit Internet Matters is supporting the initiative by creating vital safety guides for new users.
The specially-designed guides will be issued to those who are being given connected devices – to ensure they’re getting the most out of the digital world.
They include simple and practical tips on issues such as keeping personal information private, identifying fake news and managing money safely.
Internet Matters – an industry-funded members body that helps families stays safe online by providing resources to parents, carers and educational professionals – has also signed the Digital Skills pledge to help ensure users are being given the necessary tools and skills to get online safely.
A number of Internet Matters industry partners, including BT Group, Sky and Three have all made significant contributions to the scheme.
CEO of Internet Matters Carolyn Bunting said: “Internet Matters is built on collaboration and industry coming together to help families benefit safely from connected technology.
“We are delighted to partner with DevicesDotNow and support this vital initiative, helping to take away feelings of isolation for society’s most vulnerable people. Together, our resources will help ensure that those with less experience of using connected tech are able to confidently set up their devices, protect their data and spot fake information.
“The digital world can provide a lifeline during these unprecedented times and ensuring families are connecting safely is at the heart of Internet Matters work.”
CEO of FutureDotNow, Liz Williams MBE said: ‘Many beneficiaries from our DevicesDotNow emergency campaign are new to the internet and online safety is critical to providing them with the confidence they need to use their devices.
“Internet Matters does critical work and we are delighted to welcome them to the FutureDotNow coalition’
To download the handy guides visit http://www.internetmatters.org/resources/online-safety-guide-supporting-devicedotnow-initiative/
If you are an online organisation looking to sign the Digital Skills pledge visit:
https://futuredotnow.uk/joinus-now/
And for more information on how to keep your family safe online visit internetmatters.org
