(Photo above from left: Safe Surfin’ Foundation Board Members Graeme Page, Sheriff Mike Brown, and Dr. Janet Brown. See full photo gallery.)
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 Small & Rural Law Enforcement Executives Association (SRLEEA) Annual Conference in Petersburg, Virginia. Positioned among high-profile exhibitors like T-Mobile, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Safe Surfin’ captured major attention by demonstrating Deputy’s transformative potential as the first-ever 911 for Internet crimes against children.
Deputy uses AI twins of popular social media influencers—who look and sound identical to their real-life counterparts—as 24/7 advice-givers and crisis responders, providing trusted peer-to-peer interaction for young users. Soon to be available as a downloadable app for iOS and Android devices, Deputy represents a significant groundbreaking advancement in protecting children from sextortion and other online threats.
Dr. Brown, a member of the Board of Directors, SSF, said, “Interaction provided by this program will greatly improve the efficacy of education in online safety and responsibility.”
Behind the Scenes
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“Deputy is one of the technologies developed by Skyll to deliver Yourspace, a social media safety education curriculum created jointly by the Safe Surfin’ Foundation and Skyll. Mandated by West Virginia Senate Bill 466, which was unanimously passed, this law requires all public schools in the state to implement the curriculum, reaching over 260,000 students. Its passage has set a nationwide precedent, generating immediate interest from other states, including Virginia, North Carolina, Michigan, and Mississippi. “This is just the beginning,” said Sheriff Mike Brown, founder of the Safe Surfin’ Foundation and longest-serving administrator of the Department of Justice’s Southern Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, with over 23 years of dedicated service to protecting children from predators online.”
Captain Chris Conner and Investigator Jeremy Morris were on hand, along with Covington Moose Lodge members Jason Hall (President), Tim Bennington, Leslie Lawson, and Paula Crance
CIAB Laptop Donated
The Covington Moose Lodge provided a $3,000 donation in the form of a special computer to aid the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office in dealing with online sex solicitation by adults for juveniles – a growing local, regional, and nationwide problem.
Eddie Worth, Executive Director of the Safe Surfin’ Foundation, outlined the challenges with online sex predators at a brief session Monday at the Sheriff’s office in Covington.
Roblox’s Pedophile Problem
“By September 2020 some 36 million people, more than half of them under 13, were on Roblox daily, making it the world’s biggest recreation zone for kids.”
“With 78 million daily active users today, Roblox has become social media for the youngest generation. Every second, according to Roblox, it processes more than 50,000 chat messages—”
Volunteer Spotlight
Terry Treadwell
Terry Treadwell Safe Surfin’ Foundation Board Member.
After completing his studies in Business and serving in the US Army, Terry moved to the Northern Virginia area in 1990. Over the next fifteen years, Terry racked up awards, creating and implementing innovative programs as a rising star in the automotive service industry.
In 2008, Terry transitioned to the nonprofit sector accepting an executive position with an international trade association. Terry excelled in this role, developing programs and services that members valued resulting in unprecedented member acquisition and retention. Always seeking opportunities to take on new and exciting challenges and cause real change, in 2010, Terry accepted a founding role in PotholeRepair.com, where he continues to develop and deliver high-value programs and create strong partnerships within the property and facility management industries as Vice President Business Development and Sales.
Terry has also maintained a focus on community over the years, serving on various boards and committees as a tireless volunteer. All who know him agree Terry is a genuine treasure who leads by example demonstrating honesty, integrity, and an enthusiastic willingness to help others.
Terry and his wife Paulette reside in Montclair, Virginia. They have three daughters and four grandchildren.
Tips & Advice
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