A UK-based company has launched the world's first virtual identity card designed to protect youngsters from online predators.
Launched today, the Net-ID-me is a tool children can use to verify the identity and age of people they communication with using instant messaging and other forms of online chat.
After successful trials in UK schools over the last few years, the cards can now be applied for online. The verification process is similar to that of a passport and requires parental authorisation (for those under 18) and payment by credit card. Paperwork is then sent to the address given requesting additional validation by a professional such as a teacher or doctor.
Net-ID-me's creator and managing director of NetIDme Ltd, Alex Hewitt said that he could not disclose some of the verification aspects to protect the integrity of the system. But he is adamant it will deter those with ill intent rather than encouraging them to try and manipulate the sign-up process.
"Noting is 100 per cent secure. Unplugging the Internet is the only way to achieve that. At the moment, kids have nothing so this raises the bar. Predators have an open playing field online and there is nothing to stop them pretending to be who they want. Net-ID-me is a long way towards making [the online world] safer," said Hewitt.
"It's a bit like having a burglar alarm. If you have one fitted, an opportunist may come along and decide to go further along the street. It won't stop a burglary but it will certainly reduce the risk."
A Net-ID displays only a user's first name, age, gender, and general location in order to verify who someone is talking to online. Both parties need the technology as the information it transfers is encrypted. It knows who's requested that information and knows who it's destined for so there is a safeguard that prevents people from passing it on and pretending to be someone else, according to Hewitt.
Given its intentions, the technology already boasts a large number of supporters. Jim Gamble, chief executive of the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre, said: "An adult who loiters outside a school or playground with ill intent, is more readily identifiable in the real world than the virtual world.
"Any measure that can help identify the real age of someone online is one more step to deterring people from assuming different online identities to exploit, groom and abuse children over the internet."
Children using the new system accumulate loyalty points, which they can exchange for rewards such as CDs and cinema tickets. Hewitt added: "We are empowering kids with a tool to protect themselves on the Internet rather than trying to monitor them."
Net-ID-me was also launched today in Australia, Canada and the US, widening the potential safety net. In the UK, the identity and verification system is available for 9.99.
