PR88504

LONDON, March 15, 2021 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

SafeToNet, one of the world's leading cyber safety specialists that safeguards

children online, has acquired 77 German mobile phone stores previously owned by

Fexcom GMBH and One Brand Solutions GMBH. The stores which sell network

contracts from Deutsche Telekom and Vodafone will be renamed as SafeToNet

Family Stores and will sell smart phones and tablets that are pre-loaded or

bundled with SafeToNet's online safety software.

SafeToNet's safeguarding technology runs on a child's smart device and uses AI

to detect and filter harmful content in real-time. It is in use by children in

over 110 countries around the world but this is the first time it has been

included with the sale of any smart device irrespective of manufacturer.

Richard Pursey, executive chairman of SafeToNet, said: "This is a critical

development in tackling online harms such as bullying, abuse, aggression and

sextortion. We are bringing cyber safety to the high street and helping parents

to safeguard their children when buying a phone or tablet. The SafeToNet Family

Stores will employ cyber-safety experts who will guide and advise parents and

children on how to keep safe online.

"This marks a pivotal moment in online safety. We have been frustrated with the

social networks and messaging apps who have failed to keep children safe on

their platforms. We are also disappointed with the handset manufacturers who

should not make a phone for children that do not have safety features as

standard. As a result, we decided to own our own mobile phone company and

engage more closely with the Telco's so that we can make a positive change for

children online. Parents can now buy a smart device for their child that will

automatically be safe out of the box."

Georg Schmitz-Axe, Head of Partners at Deutsche Telekom said: "The SafeToNet

Family Stores are an excellent and promising asset to our retail presence in

Germany. We fully support SafeToNet's mission to safeguard children and look

forward to collaborating on this project for years to come."

Gottfried Werner, CEO SafeToNet EMEA said "This acquisition increases the

awareness of online harms across Germany. The Family Stores will sell a wide

range of products suitable for children, including SafeToPlay, a product that

allows young children to safely play online. Too many children are harmed

online and this initiative will make a positive difference to so many."

Source: SafeToNet