Ricky Martin Foundation and Microsoft welcome Safer Internet Day to Latin America Global day for a safer Internet takes place today in 65 different countries including events in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Venezuela and Uruguay.

Ft Lauderdale, FL, February 10th 2009–As part of their Navega Protegido initiative in Latin America, the Ricky Martin Foundation and Microsoft announced their support for the Worldwide Safer Internet Day, which takes place today to promote safer and more responsible use of online technology and mobile phones, especially among children and young people across the world.
Organized since 2004 by Insafe, a network of national nodes that coordinate Internet safety awareness in Europe, this year activities are extending to multiple countries in Latin America, such as Brazil where the SaferNet organization and the Attorney General's Office are promoting the event. Other countries hosting activities in Latin America this year include Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Venezuela and Uruguay. Participation in this event has been steadily growing, with an increase in general awareness, stronger involvement of relevant stakeholders in the field of internet safety.

 In 2008 over 120 organizations in 56 countries took part in Safer Internet Day celebrations, organizing local, national and pan-European events ranging from safety sessions in schools and competitions for young people to public meetings and conferences.

The Navega Protegido initiative was launched in 2006 to provide communities in Latin America and the Caribbean with the right tools and resources to do three things: protect your family, protect your assets, and protect your identity. The campaign reduced the risks associated with Internet usage by preventing youth and families from being exposed to virus attacks, Phishing, sexual predators, identity theft or content that is violent or pornographic in nature. 

The Ricky Martin Foundation and Microsoft created Navega Protegido with the common goal of providing children a safe environment online.  The Ricky Martin Foundation did this as part of their commitment to improving the quality of life for children and their families through diverse programs and projects of social interest that include three program areas: social justice, education, and health. Microsoft recognizes the importance of promoting online child safety, and that it requires that families, educators, governments, and organizations, like the Ricky Martin Foundation, join and cooperate with this effort to make to achieve a safer Internet for everyone. Navega Protegido is running in Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Puerto Rico and Venezuela, and will soon launch in Chile.