This month the INSAFE newsletter focuses on the work undertaken by National Nodes which aims to raise the awareness and competence of parents.

One of the key events of the Safer Internet calendar is rapidly approaching: Safer Internet Day will take place on 12 February 2008. We point to the events organised by nodes. The competition linked to the day is nearing its climax with the publication of national winners and the opening of the international poll. You will find links to all these in this newsletter.

Next month's newsletter will feature reports on the Safer Internet Day events and, of course, the list of winners.

"Consumers’ privacy is at stake" 
BEUC, vzbv, OCU and Altroconsumo sent a joint letter to the European Commission to underline consumers' concerns regarding the proposed merger of Google/DoubleClick.
According to Monique Goyens, BEUC Director General, "Consumers' privacy could be at risk; it is crucial that the Commission integrates privacy concerns into the Google/DoubleClick merger review process".  Read the letter to Commissioner Kroes

Sophos Security Threat Report 2008
New findings from Sophos show a variety of new threats including the new targeting of AppleMacs, WiFi use and state-sponsored illegal activities.
Read the report

Events
Safer Internet Day takes place each year in February and is an opportunity to dedicate some time to reflect on some of the issues and more importantly to raise awareness of them.
The National nodes in the INSAFE network have organised a wide programme of events for the 12 February and beyond.
See the programme of events

Video
A video clip, produced and sponsored by Publibureau in Spain, is available to raise awareness of the day. National versions are expected to be broadcast on television channels throughout Europe.
View the clip

Competition
The Safer Internet Day Competition, sponsored by UPC, has now entered the e-voting phase. Hundreds of entries from all over the world were uploaded and can be viewed in the project gallery.

National winning entries will be polling votes in the international round from the 1st of February. The e-voting site, sponsored by O2, can be accessed here.