KidSafe, developed by Newcastle-based Kidsafe software Ltd (KSUK), is a USB device which secures the home PC and controls internet access. When parents want to use the PC – or let their kids use it – they simply push the KidSafe key into the USB port. When they want to lock the PC they take it out.

Existing user accounts are not affected. The product, which uses KSUK’s patent pending software, has already received strong pre-launch interest from around the world – including a major US distributor. KSUK believes there could be a multimillion pound market for KidSafe, and expects intense demand following today’s launch as parents seek a safe, simple way to protect their children from increasing online dangers.

Managing director St.john Goldfinger says: "KidSafe tackles the growing problem of children’s exposure to inappropriate and harmful material on the internet. The dangers of allowing unsupervised access to the ever-expanding list of internet chatrooms and social networking sites are well documented". "Children and teenagers often know more about the computer than their parents – but the beauty of KidSafe is that it enables parents with little or no computer knowledge to control and moderate the use of the computer by their kids".

"Child protection online is a very real and growing problem. Traditional software-based control systems fail to protect by over-complicating the problem or enforcing overly stringent control. The only real solution involves parental supervision of the child’s online world".

"The KidSafe system enforces security and authentication, giving the parent total confidence that when the ‘key’ is in their pocket or purse the computer is not being used and their children are not in danger online." KidSafe Software LTD, KSUK, is a member of Codeworks Connect, the trade association for the North East's digital media and technology industries.

Mike Collins, Technical Director of KSUK, says: "It is crucial that people feel they can supervise and have more control over their children’s access to the internet as, unfortunately, there are many predators out there." "KidSafe is a great idea and another excellent example of the type of digital innovation taking place in the North East of England with huge commercial potential."

Kidsafe Software LTD