Marsali Hancock is the founding president of iKeepSafe.org, an international network of more than 100 policy leaders, educators, public health and law enforcement professionals, technology experts and advocates that help track internet-connected devices’ effects on children. The nonprofit group conducts research and convenes stakeholders in order to provide resources and guidance for parents, educators, industry and policymakers. The non-profit launched in 2005.
In her role, Hancock engages with both national and international groups on digital citizenship issues, which include cyber safety, security, ethics, privacy, reputation, health and responsibility. She directs iKeepSafe’s business development, strategic plans, and partnerships. She is a recipient of the Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI) Award for Outstanding Achievement.
Through research and literature reviews, Hancock develops tools to identify and measure quality digital practices for schools, industries, and families. The primary focus of her work is to identify critical policies, programs and support structures needed to create a positive digital culture and to build the networks of support needed for youth to thrive. Hancock has assisted in the development of safer internet practices in multiple countries around the world. Her priority is to assist policy leaders, educators, law enforcement, health workers and industry leaders to implement a holistic, multiple stake-holder approach to developing prevention, detection, intervention and incident response policies and programs.
Hancock’s research partners include UNESCO, UNICEF, Center for Media on Child Health, Southwest Grid Learning Trust, CyberSafe Kids AU, Rochester Institute of Technology, EdTech Pro, and others. She directs and supports initiatives with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), The Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University, U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Education, the International Multilateral Partnership Against Cyber Threats (IMPACT), EduSummit, National Technology Leadership Summit, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), UN’s International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Child Online Protection Group (COP) and others.
Recently, Hancock developed product privacy assessments to ensure that technology used at school protects and safeguards student privacy. The assessments implement a manual and technical review of privacy policies and practices. This service was designed to meet the needs of parents, educators and policy leaders concerned about student privacy.
Additionally, Hancock has served on industry consumer advisory boards and participated with online safety committees for industry leaders: AT&T, Verizon, CCI, Comcast, Yahoo, Microsoft, Google, AOL, Symantec, and others. She interviews regularly with major media outlets on digital citizenship issues. She also serves on the Behavior Health Board for Santa Clara County, California. Hancock enjoys violin performance, gardening, and traveling with her family.