Children, parents and guardians can look for the Friendly WiFi logo to be sure that the public network is safe for use
WatchGuard Technologies is helping children to stay safe online through a new partnership with the ‘Friendly WiFi’ scheme, designed to identify public places such as shops, restaurants, cafes and cinemas, providing secure filtered Wi-Fi.
Initiated by the UK Government with support from the UK Council for Child Internet Safety (UKCCIS) and managed by the RDI trade organisation, the scheme means that children, parents and guardians can look for the Friendly WiFi logo to be sure that the public network has been tested and verified to make sure pornographic and child abuse websites are blocked.
WatchGuard has also become an accredited Friendly WiFi approved provider, meaning that businesses or public facilities using WatchGuard secure Wi-Fi solutions have the correct filtering to ensure inappropriate material remains blocked to users. Once checked by RDI, they can then join the scheme and display the logo.
Under the new partnership, WatchGuard will actively promote Friendly WiFi through its UK reseller channels, creating greater awareness around the dangers faced by young people online and offering a safe solution. WatchGuard partners are also able to assist RDI in rolling out the scheme by signing up end user customers directly to the Friendly WiFi scheme.
Jonathan Whitley, regional sales director, Northern Europe at WatchGuard, said: “We are delighted to play a part in promoting and delivering safe online Wi-Fi for younger users. It’s a great concern for any parent, guardian or teacher and we look forward to seeing Friendly WiFi become a universal beacon of reassurance.”
RDI spokesperson, Mike Davies said: “Working with WatchGuard is a great opportunity for us to spread the Friendly WiFi message through the company’s extensive channel network and wide range of customers in key sectors such as hospitality, retail and schools. WatchGuard’s expertise and passion for security will make a valuable contribution to our commitment to make a positive difference to online safety for families everywhere.”
