PRESS RELEASE
Free of charge, easy to use and quick to configure, the software makes the internet a better, safer place for children to explore and enjoy, with age-appropriate settings giving parents peace of mind
5 December 2012, Europe/UK: Sony Europe ("Sony") and McAfee, an Intel company, today announced the availability of a new, easy-to-use and quick to configure parental control solution designed to deliver enhanced online child and family protection. Developed in partnership with Sony Europe, the McAfee Parental Controls system is pre-installed on all new European Windows 8 VAIO devices. In recognition that, with the right guidance, the internet can be a hugely beneficial place for children, the McAfee Parental Controls software is designed to empower parents, enabling them to create a safer internet environment in just minutes.
Research shows children as young as five have easy access to internet-enabled devices and six out of 10 parents frequently let their children surf the web without adult supervision*. This new software is designed to support the on-going efforts of parents and teachers as they seek to instil how best to use the internet confidently and responsibly. Easy to locate, the McAfee Parental Controls system pop-up windows prompt customers to configure the software during set-up and the relevant desktop tray icon makes it easy to locate for future review and updating.
Serge Foucher, Executive Vice President, Compliance, External Relations and Technologies, Sony Europe, said: "The internet is increasingly becoming a key destination for families and children seeking to explore, learn and have fun. Whilst the internet offers lots of new, exciting and safe content, we also know that it can play host to less positive material. It's important that we work together to create a safe environment, protecting our customers in the best way possible. What we've done today with our VAIO range in Europe is a reflection of our on-going commitment to putting customer safety first."
"At Sony we remain committed to providing all our consumers - both young and old - with the best possible experience. We work with industry-leading partners to deliver against this promise and we hope that the McAfee Parental Controls we've created in partnership with the McAfee team will help further empower parents as they seek to establish an inspiring environment; one where their children are safe to learn, explore and grow."
"We believe it's imperative to work closely with our partners in order to bring new and innovative offerings to market which keep users safe online," said Nick Viney, VP EMEA Consumer, Mobile and Small Business, McAfee"Giving parents the peace of mind that their family is safely using the internet, and being exposed to suitable content online, is something we feel passionately about."
The McAfee Parental Controls system is available on all current and forthcoming Windows 8 VAIO models: VAIO Duo 11, VAIO Tap 20, VAIO T Series 13, VAIO E Series 14P, VAIO L Series. It is available on models sold in Europe and will be available on models sold in Russia from Spring 2013.
*EU Kids Online: National perspectives report, 26 September 2012.
About Sony
Offering an integrated entertainment experience through its electronics, mobile, music, pictures, game and the Sony Entertainment Network, Sony is uniquely positioned to be one of the world's leading consumer brands. Sony is renowned for its audio-visual products in both the consumer and professional markets, such as the BRAVIATM LCD high-definition (HD) television, NEX, "α" (pronounced Alpha) and Cyber-shotTM digital cameras, Handycam camcorder, , XperiaTM Tablet and Walkman MP3 player as well as its VAIOTM personal computers and 4K, 3D and HD professional broadcast equipment.
For more information on Sony Europe, please visit www.sony-europe.com. For more information on Sony Corporation please visit www.sony.net.
About McAfee
McAfee, a wholly owned subsidiary of Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC), empowers businesses, the public sector and home users, to safely experience the benefits of the Internet. The company delivers proactive and proven security solutions and services for systems, networks, and mobile devices around the world. With its Security Connected strategy, innovative approach to hardware-enhanced security, and unique Global Threat Intelligence network, McAfee is relentlessly focused on keeping its customers safe. http://www.mcafee.com.
