A nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding broadband in Iowa is turning its attention to the state's elderly population. Jeremy Thacker, with Connect Iowa, says a recent study found 73% of people over the age of 70 don't have internet access in their homes. Thacker notes his own grandmother … [Read more...]
Senator Grassley says internet sharing bills may need tweaking
Several popular websites, including Wikipedia, plan to go "dark" on Wednesday to protest two bills pending in Congress that aim to stop the illegal sharing of music and movies on the Internet. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says the bills, known as SOPA and PIPA, may need a little tweaking but the … [Read more...]
Program teaches kids how to be safe on the internet
A program designed to help young internet users stay safe online was the subject of a workshop last night for parents and students in Council Bluffs. Shannon Seeger, spokeswoman for the Internet Keep Safe Coalition or i-Keep-Safe, says children are growing up in a world where their social life is … [Read more...]
Grassley not sold on internet tax bill
Legislation that would tax all online purchases and potentially funnel billions of dollars back to states is being introduced in Congress, but Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley isn't a fan. Grassley, a Republican, says the proposal called the Main Street Fairness Act goes against one of his primary … [Read more...]
Gambling treatment official not taking stance on internet gambling bill
The manager of the Iowa Gambling Treatment and Prevention Program isn't taking a stand on the bill that would allow internet gambling in Iowa. Mark Vander Linden was asked about the proposal during a presentation at the Racing and Gaming Commission meeting. Vander Linden says internet gambling … [Read more...]
Roll out continues for new website seeking to prevent internet crimes against kids
The Iowa Task Force on Internet Crimes Against Children is launching a new website that aims to educate parents on how to prevent on-line crimes before they happen. The website's main feature is a cyber tip link, where parents can alert officials about a potential on-line threat. Criminal … [Read more...]
DCI unveils website to combat on-line predators
The Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation today unveiled a new website designed to protect children from on-line predators. Mike Ferjak, with the D.C.I.'s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, says the site will help parents, teachers and others talk to kids about the dangers … [Read more...]
Study finds Iowa among slow states for internet connections
A study finds Iowa is improving but is still among the slower states in terms of Internet connections. The study by the Communication Workers of America tested the speed of the last mile of Internet users' hook-ups, what tends to be the slowest mile. Annie Hill, the C-W-A's executive vice … [Read more...]
Parents urged to keep close eye on kids’ social networking
A federal agent says Iowa parents should be involved in virtually all aspects of their kids' lives, especially when it comes to the Internet. Robert Georgai, a white collar crime specialist with the F-B-I, says with the growing popularity of social websites like MySpace and Facebook, parents need to … [Read more...]
Use caution with "secret shopper" offer
Iowans are being warned about a "secret shopper" scam which may have its roots in Nebraska. Authorities in both states are investigating the scheme in which people are recruited to patronize certain businesses, report on the experience and get paid for it. Nebraska Attorney General Jon … [Read more...]