PRESS RELEASES
Welcome to Safe Surfin’s press release page, your source for the latest updates and news. Here, you’ll find detailed insights into our groundbreaking initiatives, strategic collaborations, and thought leadership in internet safety and steps that are being taken to educate children and teens on using technology safely.
VIRGINIA GOVERNOR DECLARES AUGUST 1 INTERNET SAFETY & ONLINE PREDATOR
AWARENESS DAY; PRESENTS SAFE SURFIN’ FOUNDER & FIRST COMMANDER OF
SOVA-ICAC, SHERIFF MIKE BROWN WITH PROCLAMATION
—Sep 17, 2025—
SSF HEADQUARTERS; FLOYD, VA – The Safe Surfin’ Foundation is proud to announce that Governor Glenn Youngkin has officially proclaimed August 1, 2025 as ‘Internet Safety and Online Predator Awareness Day’ in the Commonwealth of Virginia. This achievement follows a request initiated by the foundation earlier this year, with the strong support and advocacy of Delegate Wendell Walker, who presented the request on March 20, 2025.
The proclamation recognizes the critical and growing need for
education, awareness, and prevention strategies to combat the dangers of the internet, including cyberbullying, identity theft, and the exploitation of children by online predators.
According to the proclamation, in 2024 alone, Virginians aged 60 and older filed 3,841 complaints with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), resulting in over $106.6 million in losses, ranking Virginia 11th nationwide for elder fraud losses. National statistics from the FBI also indicate that over 500,000 online predators are active daily, with one in five children aged 10 to 17 experiencing online solicitation by strangers. A 2025 Journal of Medical Internet Research study found that 83% of youth had been exposed to harmful online content related to self-harm or suicide on social media, and more than half reported experiencing cyberbullying.
“Since its inception, Safe Surfin’ Foundation’s mission has been focused on creating safer online spaces for everyone,” said Eddie Worth, President and Executive Director. “This day is a powerful reminder that through awareness, education, and collaboration, we can protect our communities from online threats.”
This mission of collaboration is exemplified through the Safe Surfin’ Foundation’s groundbreaking partnership with Skyll, a leader in innovative safety solutions. Together, they have developed Movie Games, a new curriculum launching September 15 in West Virginia school districts – a direct result of progressive legislative efforts to mandate internet safety education.
“The program is essentially designed to turn play into protection,” notes Graeme Page, Skyll CEO, and Safe Surfin’ Foundation Board Member. “Students navigate interactive stories where they step into real-life online dilemmas. Every episode delivers lessons in online safety, and digital literacy. Wrong choices bring
about real consequences; right decisions build stronger skills.”
To ensure that learning extends beyond the classroom, Movie Games also includes a dedicated dashboard for students, teachers, parents, and administrators. This feature allows communication to flow freely, strengthening the partnership between schools and families while supporting a safer digital journey for every child.
The proclamation also underscores the vital role of Virginia’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force Program. The Northern Virginia/DC ICAC is coordinated by the Virginia State Police, while the Southern Virginia (SOVA) ICAC—one of the first 10 ICAC task forces established by the U.S. Congress—is proudly managed by the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office. SOVA ICAC was founded under the leadership of Safe Surfin’ Foundation Founder and Chairman, Sheriff Mike Brown (Ret.), who served as its first Administrator.
Bedford County is not only home to SOVA ICAC but also the birthplace of the Safe Surfin’ Foundation, making this proclamation especially meaningful. Both agencies deliver
investigative support, cutting-edge training, and proactive prevention programs across the Commonwealth.
“We are proud to have led the effort to make this important recognition a reality, and we extend our deepest thanks to Delegate Walker for championing the cause and to Governor Youngkin for making it official,” said Sheriff Mike Brown (Ret.). “By designating August 1 as Internet Safety and Online Predator Awareness Day, Virginia is taking a bold stand to protect our children and communities from online threats.”
The proclamation calls on all Virginians to embrace digital safety, take proactive steps to protect themselves
and their families online, and support public awareness initiatives year-round.
Worth stressed the importance of these collective efforts: “We hope this proclamation serves as a call to action
for all of us to stand together against online exploitation. Our children’s safety and futures depend upon it—
and with tools like Movie Games, we are better equipped than ever to meet that challenge. By working
collectively with legislators, and ICAC task forces, we can strengthen protections and expand awareness
across every community. We thank Governor Youngkin, Delegate Walker, Skyll, law enforcement agencies
around the nation, and all our partners for their dedication to raising awareness and standing with us in the
fight against online crime. Together, we are raising awareness, driving innovation, and building a safer digital
future for Virginia’s families.”
A PDF copy of Governor Youngkin’s proclamation is available on the Governor’s official website. Additional
high-resolution photos are located on the Office of the Governor’s Flickr site at: t.ly/31h3d.
For more information about the Safe Surfin’ Foundation, its programs, and the Deputy AI initiative, please visit
President Trump Signs TAKE IT DOWN Act into Law — Skyll and Safe Surfin’ Foundation Deploy First Response Tools
—May 19, 2025—
Today, President Donald J. Trump signed the bipartisan TAKE IT DOWN Act into law, creating the first federal mandate for the removal of non-consensual intimate images — including AI-generated deepfakes — within 48 hours of a victim’s request. The law criminalizes the publication of such content and marks a historic advancement in protecting children and teens from online sexual exploitation.
President Trump Signs TAKE IT DOWN Act into Law — Skyll and Safe Surfin’ Foundation Deploy First Response Tools
—May 19, 2025—
Today, President Donald J. Trump signed the bipartisan TAKE IT DOWN Act into law, creating the first federal mandate for the removal of non-consensual intimate images — including AI-generated deepfakes — within 48 hours of a victim’s request. The law criminalizes the publication of such content and marks a historic advancement in protecting children and teens from online sexual exploitation.
Safe Surfin’ Foundation, Selects Kevin Donovan As VP, Bringing Decades of Global Leadership & Passion for Internet Safety
—May 5, 2025—
The Safe Surfin’ Foundation is excited to announce Kevin Donovan as its new Vice President. With over 30 years of global leadership experience in sports, entertainment, technology, and social impact, Kevin’s visionary approach and dedication to humanity and community well-being will greatly enhance the Foundation’s mission to promote safe and responsible internet use among children and families nationwide.
Partnering for Protection: Safe Surfin’ Foundation & Governor Seek to Enhance Internet Safety Education in Virginia
—MARCH 27, 2025—
On March 26, Safe Surfin’ Foundation Chairman and Founder, Sheriff Michael Brown (Ret.) and President/Executive Director, Eddie Worth, had the opportunity to meet with Governor Glenn Youngkin and Delegate Wendell Walker. The meeting focused on the innovative Deputy AI program developed by their partner, Skyll, which serves as an ‘Internet 911,’ designed to enhance safety and emergency response for students to protect them from online predators and prevent sexual abuse and sexploitation.
Partnering for Protection: Safe Surfin’ Foundation & Governor Seek to Enhance Internet Safety Education in Virginia
—MARCH 27, 2025—
On March 26, Safe Surfin’ Foundation Chairman and Founder, Sheriff Michael Brown (Ret.) and President/Executive Director, Eddie Worth, had the opportunity to meet with Governor Glenn Youngkin and Delegate Wendell Walker. The meeting focused on the innovative Deputy AI program developed by their partner, Skyll, which serves as an ‘Internet 911,’ designed to enhance safety and emergency response for students to protect them from online predators and prevent sexual abuse and sexploitation.
Safe Surfin’ Foundation, Skyll Share AI Based Online Safety Curriculum at MMIP Summit
—February 28, 2025—
Eddie Worth, Executive Director and President of the Safe Surfin’ Foundation, delivered a compelling address at the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Summit, emphasizing the critical importance of internet safety for youth, especially those in vulnerable communities. The summit, which gathered leaders and advocates from across the country, focused on addressing the alarming statistics surrounding missing and murdered Indigenous youth and the unique challenges they face in today’s digital landscape.
Safe Surfin’ Brings Deputy to the NSA Conference
—FEBRUARY 2025—
Safe Surfin’ Foundation President Eddie Worth addressed sheriffs from across the country at the National Sheriffs’ Association Conference, discussing the future of cyber safety.
Safe Surfin’ Brings Deputy to the NSA Conference
—FEBRUARY 2025—
Safe Surfin’ Foundation President Eddie Worth addressed sheriffs from across the country at the National Sheriffs’ Association Conference, discussing the future of cyber safety.
—NOVEMBER 6, 2024—
Reinforcing the Value of Partnerships: Safe Surfin’ Visits NCMEC
Graeme Page, one of our Board members, and Eddie Worth, our Executive Director, visited the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) in Alexandria, VA. Aya Nassif, Partnership Specialist at NCMEC, provided a fantastic tour of their facilities before they met with top executives to discuss shared goals in child safety. The visit reinforced the value of partnerships in advancing initiatives that prioritize children’s safety and well-being.
Safe Surfin’ Foundation Unveils ‘Deputy’ AI: First 911 for Online Child Crimes at 2024 SRLEEA Conference
In a bold move to revolutionize the fight against online child exploitation, the Safe Surfin’ Foundation unveiled ‘Deputy,’ an advanced AI assistant developed by Skyll, at the 2024 SRLEEA Annual Conference (Small & Rural Law Enforcement Executives Association) in Petersburg, Virginia
Safe Surfin’ Foundation Unveils ‘Deputy’ AI: First 911 for Online Child Crimes at 2024 SRLEEA Conference
In a bold move to revolutionize the fight against online child exploitation, the Safe Surfin’ Foundation unveiled ‘Deputy,’ an advanced AI assistant developed by Skyll, at the 2024 SRLEEA Annual Conference (Small & Rural Law Enforcement Executives Association) in Petersburg, Virginia
West Virginia Leads the Nation with New Sextortion Education Legislation; Skyll to Implement Statewide Curriculum
Explore the partnership between the Safe Surfin’ Foundation and Skyll, dedicated to delivering simulated scenarios that promote critical thinking among children and teens in their technology usage.
New Law Aims to Boost Internet Safety
West Virginia Governor Jim Justice has enacted an internet safety bill into state law. This legislation will introduce the Cyber S.W.A.T. (Safety While Accessing Technology) program, a cornerstone of the Safe Surfin’ Foundation’s efforts to educate youth on internet safety nationwide.
New Law Aims to Boost Internet Safety
West Virginia Governor Jim Justice has enacted an internet safety bill into state law. This legislation will introduce the Cyber S.W.A.T. (Safety While Accessing Technology) program, a cornerstone of the Safe Surfin’ Foundation’s efforts to educate youth on internet safety nationwide.
Langworthy Bill Would Create Panel to Access Dangers of AI-Generated Child Sex Abuse Material
On Tuesday, April 16, U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy introduced a piece of legislation aimed at establishing a legal structure to support law enforcement in preventing, detecting, and prosecuting AI-related crimes targeting children. Langworthy’s office also mentioned that the legislation has received support from various groups, such as Raven, Trafficking Taskforce of America, Small and Rural Law Enforcement Executives, National White Collar Crimes Center, Foundation for Digital Innovation, AI Policy Institute, BullMoose Project, and Safe Surfin’.
