| Mike Cosse, Microsoft, Germany |
|
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE Mike Cosse is Senior Policy Counsel with Microsoft Germany since 2005. Cosse, 37, attended law school at the University of Muenster (Westphalia, Germany) and is a registered attorney in Berlin. He started his professional career as staffer of a member of the German Federal Parliament. From 2000 until 2005 he was Deputy Head of Public Policy & Government Relations with AOL Germany in Hamburg and Berlin. He represented AOL on the international board of the Internet Content Rating Association (ICRA, now FOSI). In 2005, Mike became deputy chairman of the Self-Regulatory Association of German Multimedia-Providers (FSM) and since 2008 Chairman of the Telecommunications, Internet and Media (TIM) Committee of the American Chamber of Commerce Germany. ABSTRACT 29 September, Wednesday, 11.30 - 12.00 Plenary session: Messengers for kids - tools for a safer online experience Microsoft has initiated a number of safety projects in Europe for a safer use of messengers. Instant Messaging is a popular online tool amongst users below the age of 12. However, since this age group typically lacks sophisticated online literacy, it seems quite useful to provide a special tool to meet their needs. Microsoft provides a choice of parental control features in Windows Live. Windows 7 and Xbox360 are prominent role-models for Microsoft in providing a high level of safety for children and youngsters. Microsoft with its Windows Live Messenger is next to ICQ and Yahoo one of the leading providers of messenger tools. As the attractiveness of messengers climb higher every year by year, Microsoft and partners provide a solution for parents to allow their children to participate in this way of communicating more safer. One of the key features is parents exclusive right to sign-off new chat friends and contacts for their children. Parental Control through Windows Live (Family Safety) is globally available free of charge. The special Kids Messenger is limited to Germany so far. Microsoft Germany and Microsoft Denmark went similar ways in providing support for special needs for minors when using the messenger. In Germany, Microsoft collaborated with the Johanniter Unfallhilfe. The Johanniter provided a special buddy name to be contacted when in need for guidance for dealing with typical problems of adolescence. In Denmark, Microsoft collaborates with professional psychologists from Save the Children. They advice via chat on the topics of online bullying, sexual harassment and grooming online. The project is targeted at teens (12-17 years) but is also open for parents or others who might need advice on the topic. The user simply adds to the contact list and will be able to chat with the professional staff. |
|
