SocialShield

The service operated by scanning and analyzing a child's social networking activities across platforms like Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and Google+. It would alert parents to potential dangers, such as contact from strangers, signs of cyberbullying, or references to violence and drugs in conversations. A key feature was its ability to check a child's online contacts against various internet databases, including those for sexual predators, to identify suspicious connections. The platform functioned as a watchdog, providing parents with insights without directly restricting the child's internet access.

In October 2010, SocialShield secured $10 million in a Series A funding round led by Venrock and U.S. Venture Partners. The company gained recognition for its role in online child safety, including receiving two Congressional Recognition awards. In March 2012, the German security software company Avira acquired SocialShield for an undisclosed amount. The acquisition was part of Avira's strategy to expand its focus from device security to protecting the individuals using them, integrating SocialShield's technology into its free security product portfolio.