Government Signs Agreement With Microsoft

Minister of Business Development and Tourism, Wayne Furbert, signed a new agreement with the Microsoft Corporation on Wednesday [Nov 14] for the continued use of the company’s online safety material at no charge.

The original agreement was signed on August 27, 2007 following the passage of the Criminal Code Amendment Act 2007 that provides comprehensive laws to prevent the sexual exploitation and abuse of children, especially on the Internet. It was the first kind of such agreement in the Caribbean region.

A second agreement was signed on October 22, 2010. Today’s signing ceremony permits the Government of Bermuda to continue to have access to certain content, videos and other information dealing with cyber security developed by Microsoft and was signed by Minister Furbert and Microsoft Regional Manager, George Gobin, who came to Bermuda for this purpose.

The materials will be used by the Department of E-Commerce for the redevelopment and re-launch of the www.cybertips.bm website. The materials include security videos and other documents produced by Microsoft that promote safe practices using technology for students, parents, teachers and individuals at home or work.

Minister Furbert said: “We thank Microsoft for the continued use of these materials. Technology is pervasive in Bermuda an as digital citizens we must ensure that we are safe and secure in our interactions.

“We are grateful for the access to tools that this Microsoft agreement provides, as we work to provide the public with the latest information and resources to promote online safety and security for all Bermuda residents.”

Mr. Gobin said: “We are honoured to extend this agreement with the Ministry of Business Development and Tourism on behalf of the Government of Bermuda. Security, internet safety and privacy are clearly top priorities for Microsoft. We are committed to building trust – and trustworthiness – in computing so that customers can have the very best experience with our technology and can realize their full potential.”

Nancy Volesky, Director of E-Commerce said: “We appreciate that the Microsoft Corporation continues to work closely with Bermuda. As we use these materials for the redesign of the cybertips.bm website, we hope to reinforce good practices, educate Bermuda users about the risks of using various technologies and promote safety online”

#CyberSecurity #InternetAccess #WayneFurbert

Category: All, technology