The new Microsoft Privacy Education Toolkit is available for download, designed to streamline the education process of users when it comes down to keeping their sensitive information safe while online. The Consumer Privacy Education Toolkit was offered at the International Association of Privacy Professionals summit in Washington, D.C. in March 2009. The toolkit is an integral part of Microsoft's vision that increasing online security and trust is ultimately a process that will require the end users to be educated on the risks they face, as well as to how to fend for themselves against threats.

“Intended for public policy professionals, this toolkit contains a complete guide for how to conduct a local or national privacy and Internet safety education program. It includes guidelines for organizing events for constituents, as well as customizable materials to share through newsletters, Web sites, events, and other channels,” explained a member of the Microsoft Privacy Team.

Microsoft is allowing policymakers to download the complete toolkit, or all of the content as separate downloads. In this respect, the Privacy Education Toolkit brings to the table an event planning guide, the Town Hall presentation, privacy and online safety video, promotional and media materials, as well as educational materials.

The “Privacy education toolkit provides practical guidance about how to conduct a local or national privacy and Internet safety education program. It includes: guidelines for organizing events for constituents [and] customizable materials to share through newsletters, Web sites, events, and other channels,” Microsoft stated.

The Redmond company emphasized that, in order for the education process to achieve maximum efficiency, advocates, members of industry, and community leaders all have to join in on the effort. In this regard, the free resources offered by the software giant are designed to provide a common base in terms of privacy education.