Net Nanny Helps Promote Child Online Privacy Protection Act; FTC's New Law, Combined With Powerful Filtering Software, Provides Comprehensive Protection

Business Wire, April 20, 2000

Business Editors

BELLVUE, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 20, 2000

Net Nanny Software International Inc. (CDNX:NNS) (OTCBB:NNSWF), a leading Internet security and filtering company, is assisting the Federal Trade Commission to spread the word about the Child Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) going into effect tomorrow.

As a company with a comprehensive grasp of the issues, Net Nanny ( www.netnanny.com ) is linking directly to the FTC's "Kidzprivacy" Web site, ( www.ftc.gov/kidzprivacy ), under the "Resources" section, to offer tools and additional information parents may find useful as they struggle to learn what COPPA means to them.

The law restricts Web sites from collecting individually identifiable information from kids under 13 years of age, without first obtaining parental consent. Any Web site knowingly collecting and disseminating information such as full name, home address, email address, phone number or any other personal data that would allow someone to identify or contact a child, is subject to a $10,000 penalty per violation.

"As a leading provider of security solutions that help protect kids online, we applaud the FTC's efforts to make Web sites more responsible," said Nika Herford Net Nanny's VP of Public Affairs and Media. "It's vital to spread the word about resources that raise awareness and empower parents to get involved in their kids' online activities. The Internet is full of wonderful resources, but there are also people online who prey on children - and parents need tools to stop this from happening."

Herford, who will be in Washington D.C. on April 21, said that in addition to the law, the FTC advises parents to get involved in the following ways:

-- Look for a privacy policy on any Web site directed to children

-- Decide whether to give consent

-- Decide whether to approve information collection from your kids based on new
uses for the information

-- Ask to see the information your child has submitted

-- Understand that you may revoke your consent at any time and have your
child's information deleted

-- File a complaint with the FTC by contacting the Consumer Response Center
toll-free at 1-877-FTC-HELP.

"COPPA is an exciting new law that keeps Web sites honest and gets parents involved in what their kids are up to online," said Parry Aftab, a leading child privacy advocate and counsel for the children's Internet industry. "Though this law is a huge step, parents still need to be aware of gaps where the law doesn't apply or isn't being followed. Filtering software that blocks outgoing information can help."

The FTC will monitor any Web site that directly promotes themselves in the U.S. for compliance and will work with watchdog organizations to ensure that the law is enforced. While the law is sweeping, there is no guarantee that situations will arise where children's personal information may be compromised.

Parents who want an extra measure of security can install Net Nanny(R) and enter their families' personal information into the program. It provides comprehensive protection by following a child wherever they go online, whether they are on the Web, in standard email, newsgroups or chat rooms. Parents can also choose one, or a combination of options when the program detects attempts to release personal information: 1) shutdown the Internet connection 2) replace personal information with number signs 3) log the attempt in an audit trail 4) send a warning message. Net Nanny's Web site provides easy access for purchasing the award winning software, which is available for a one-time fee of $34.95, plus shipping and handling.

"COPPA provides one important part of the solution and filtering tools like Net Nanny provide another," said Herford, who is available to the media via cell phone at 206/601-3616. "We are pleased to assist the FTC by offering parents additional information that will help protect their kids."

About Net Nanny Software International Inc.

Net Nanny Software International Inc., a publicly traded company (OTCBB:NNSWF) (CDNX:NNS) with headquarters and subsidiaries in the United States and Canada, specializes in Internet safety and computer security products for both the home and enterprise markets. Its globally recognized flagship product, Net Nanny(R), was the first Internet filtering and child safety software product of its kind to ship, in January 1995. Widely regarded for its open lists and comprehensive features, Net Nanny continues to appeal to domestic and international audiences who appreciate its flexibility. The Company also ships another security-related product, PC Nanny(TM) and is field-testing an early beta of BioPassword(R) Log On for Windows NT, which uses its patented, software-only biometric authentication technology. For more information, contact the Company at www.netnanny.com or call 425/688-3008.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Net Nanny Software International Inc.

Gordon A. Ross,

President and CEO

Statements in this news release looking forward in time involve risks and uncertainties, including the risks associated with the effect of changing economic conditions, trends in the development of the Internet as a commercial medium, market acceptance risks, technological development risks, seasonality and other risk factors.