(Justmeans.com / CSR News) - Verizon Officials, New Jersey State Legislators Offer Internet Safety Tips

TENAFLY, N.J. - Verizon and Kaplen JCC on the Palisades teamed up Friday (July 10) to promote Internet safety for adults aged 50 and older. New Jersey state legislators from Bergen County participated with Verizon officials in a forum on Internet Safety that was held at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades in Tenafly. 

"Providing a safe online environment for New Jersey families, particularly those with older adults, is a priority for Verizon," said Dennis Bone, president, Verizon New Jersey. "We are proud to partner with the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, SeniorNet and area legislators to bring this valuable information to the community and to help ensure that seniors have enjoyable online experiences."

The legislators, Assemblywoman Valerie Huttle and Assemblyman Gordon Johnson, spoke about their commitment to Internet safety, particularly for New Jersey seniors.

"This forum on Internet safety is a clear example of how policy makers can help make using the Internet an enjoyable and worthwhile experience," said Johnson. "As technology advances, we must continually look for new ways to ensure the Internet is an educational, entertaining and successful tool for all who use it."

Hutton said: "In this age of technology, when seniors are using the Internet more than ever, it's critical for us to have safeguards that protect them. Information is key as we work to provide seniors with knowledge and tools so that they and their families can use the Internet safely, securely and with complete confidence."

Thomas Dailey, vice president and deputy general counsel for Verizon, gave a presentation on how seniors can safely take advantage of all the benefits of broadband and the Internet. He highlighted the online risks facing seniors today, and the ways to help avoid falling victim to Internet scams and other dangers. 

Said Dailey: "The Internet is a fantastic place to learn, communicate, meet people, shop, bank, play and do so much more. But as wonderful as the Internet is, the fact is that on occasion people have their identities stolen, fall victim to fraud, or place themselves or their families at risk -- almost always through inadvertence or lack of appreciation of the danger's warning signs. The good news is that by following a few simple, common-sense rules, you can greatly reduce the risk of bad things happening."

Verizon is engaged in Internet safety on multiple fronts.  The company provides customers with an industry-leading slate of online cyber-security tools and education programs to empower all users. Verizon offers a suite of computer security programs that can help keep consumers keep their computers, information and families safe from online threats, including viruses and spyware. Those resources and others, including free parental controls, can be found at http://parentalcenter.verizon.radialpoint.net/.

"Broadband technology provides connectivity and entertainment for many New Jersey families and seniors, but the challenge is having peace of mind while exploring the limitless possibilities of the digital world," said Bone.  "Verizon's technology delivers innovative tools that allow seniors and their families to create the digital experience they need to feel safe and secure."

Another state legislator from Bergen County, Sen. Loretta Weinberg, said in a statement: "Making sure my constituents are safe when they are using the Internet is an important priority for me. The Internet has revolutionized the way people communicate. It has also spawned security risks that didn't exist 20 years ago.  Seniors are particularly vulnerable to Internet security fraud, and we must make sure they have knowledge and the tools to protect themselves against Web predators."

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving more than 86 million customers nationwide. Verizon's Wireline operations provide converged communications, information and entertainment services over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network. Wireline also includes Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world. A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 237,000 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of more than $97 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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Media Contact:
Rich Young
973-649-2279
richard.j.young@verizon.com