Google collaborates with IT Ministry to boost online cyber safety

The IT Ministry and Google on Thursday announced further collaboration to drive citizen awareness on online cyber safety in the country. Also Read: Amid Cross-Border Tensions, Government Warns Against Viral GPS Misinformation

The tech giant will work with MeitY to amplify its ‘Stay Safe Online’ campaign through several initiatives, ranging from literacy programmes around cyber safety, multilingual digital content on online safety, and educational content on how to navigate information online. Also Read: Operation Sindoor: Indian Government Warns Citizens to Stay Alert Online Amid Cyber Threats

“With over 700 million Indians using the internet, and the country driving transformative innovations with the power of digital technologies, it is important to ensure that the internet is inclusive and safe for all,” said Sanjay Gupta, Country Head and Vice President, Google India. Also Read: Deepfake row: MeitY sets 7-day deadline for social media platforms to regulate deepfakes, says Rajeev Chandrashekhar

Google will raise awareness on the fundamentals of online safety through the ‘Be Internet Awesome’ programme, sharing helpful content covering a wide range of online safety topics.

We’re joining hands 🤝 with @GoI_MeitY on their @SSOIndia campaign – 📣 to raise awareness about online safety & security.
Stay tuned for #HitPause, a @YouTubeIndia series ⏸️ that will help people evaluate and share online information responsibly.@mygovindia

— Google India (@GoogleIndia) June 15, 2023

“India’s G20 Presidency offers a remarkable opportunity to shape a model of the internet that promotes inclusivity and establishes new global standards. With this growth comes an urgent need to sensitise citizens of all ages about online risks and the adoption of safety measures and cyber hygiene to protect themselves,” said Akash Tripathi, CEO, MyGov.

Google is working with the IT Ministry to enhance user awareness on cyber fraud, helping people identify common types of online scams and adopt best practices to safeguard against those.

In addition to this, the company says that YouTube India is also working on a web series called Hit Pause that aims to help people evaluate and share online information responsibly.

— IANS