Frequently Asked Questions

How does safeTspace work?
safeTspace is a consumer identity management solution for social networking and online communities. Users’ fingerprints are recorded in-person by a safeTspace representative who also obtains parental consent. When that user logs in and places their fingerprint on a reader attached to a computer, the technology verifies that person’s identity and permits access to the site. Click here to see how safeTspace works.

How is safeTspace different from other solutions?
We offer the industry’s only fingerprint technology system backed by an in-person registration process. While other solutions rely on the honor system or check a user’s registration against public records, only safeTspace verifies a user’s identity in-person and continues to check the user through biometrics. Until now, there’s been no effective way of knowing if someone on the internet is really who they say they are. Click here to find out more about safeTspace products.

Who’s behind safeTspace?
safeTspace was founded by three experts in biometrics who worked with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in identity management and credentialing. They also happen to be fathers of young children.  Click here for more information about safeTspace’s founders.

Who can use safeTspace?
safeTspace was created for users of social networking sites and online communities that want to add a level of security never before available. The technology is ideal for protecting children while online, but can be used by anyone who has a need to protect their identity through our fingerprint technology. Click here to see if you could be using safeTspace.

What’s the advantage of using safeTspace?
Content providers can now offer a level of security never before available, proactively meeting a critical societal need. According to recent news reports, dozens of states nationwide are considering legislation aimed at social networking sites that fail to verify ages and obtain parental permission of users under 18. In some instances sites that do not verify users’ ages would face civil fines up to $5,000 per violation.

How long does the registration process take?
Once the user presents the safeTspace representative with a completed application form and identification the registration process takes just a matter of seconds.  Click here for a more detailed explanation of the registration process.

What is the cost to the people who will use the system?
The answer depends on the content provider providing the technology, but the general price is around $30 per year – less than the cost of one cup of premium coffee a month.

 What is the cost to the content provider?
Again, the answer depends on the number of users registered in the community, but is very reasonable when considering the level of protection it provides. Contact Us for more information about pricing.

What is the cost of a fingerprint reader?
While fingerprint readers that can be attached to a computer can cost around $80,
safeTspace has negotiated a discount with a major manufacturer that will bring that cost to around $30. It’s important to note that newer computers and keyboards now come with the option for a built-in reader, which will be commonplace in the coming years.

 Is safeTspace scalable?
safeTspace had done significant load testing against its software and infrastructure and, based on currently available statistics, can handle hundreds of logins per second with no more than that 100ms latency.  The system is built to be flexible and can easily be scaled as needed.

What is the pilot program and how do we find out more information?
Content providers interested in enrolling their users in a targeted region can qualify for a safeTspace pilot program. Click here for more information about our Pilot Program.

Does safeTspace work on cell phones and mobile handsets?
Yes, the safeTspace technology does work with mobile devices, and we are currently working with partners in the Asian market where this need is the greatest. Contact Us for more information.

Can other content providers use the safeTspace technology?
Yes. One of our goals is to provide security to all users of social networking sites and online communities, and the safeTspace technology was developed to ensure it can be used across multiple sites.  Contact Us for more information about portability and emerging technologies.