Project OPEN Overview

America Online has initiated and participated in several efforts to assist online consumers. Project OPEN is a primary example of America Online's role in consumer education. Project OPEN is a joint effort of the Interactive Services Association, National Consumers League, and leading online/Internet service companies. Its primary mission is to help the American public learn how to use online and Internet services in an informed and responsible way.

On March 12, 1996 in New York City, Project OPEN sponsors formally launched the project which will focus on parental empowerment, intellectual property rights, consumer protection and user privacy. Founding partners of Project OPEN include America Online, AT&T, CompuServe, Microsoft, NETCOM and Prodigy. These online/Internet companies are working together to encourage consumer education about this new medium.

Programs to develop educational tools and information that encourage safe and responsible computing are available in the first phase of Project OPEN, "Making the NetWork For You." The consumer brochure, "How to get the most Out of Going Online," is available free by calling Project OPENs toll-free number (800-466-OPEN). The hotline also answers questions related to online safety.

Other groups endorsing Project OPEN include:
American Association of School Administrators (AASA)
National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP)
National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)
National Education Association (NEA)
National School Boards Association (NSBA)
Institute for the Transfer of Technology to Education

Project OPEN
c/o Interactive Services Association
8403 Colesville Road, Suite 865
Silver Spring, MD 20910
E-mail: project-open@isa.net

National Consumers League
Suite 1200
1701 K Street, NW
Washington DC 20006
(202) 835-3323

URL: http://www.isa.net/project-open/index.html