Meta, in a significant collaboration with the Indian government, has launched a two-month-long nationwide campaign, “Scam Se Bacho,” aimed at combating online scams and ensuring safer digital practices. The campaign is in partnership with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB). With a strong focus on user safety, the initiative seeks to educate citizens on the rising threat of cyber frauds while empowering them to protect themselves through awareness and the use of Meta’s safety tools.
A Multi-Pronged Approach to Combatting Scams
The campaign was officially unveiled in New Delhi, bringing together government officials, cybersecurity experts, and industry leaders to highlight the increasing risks associated with online scams. The “Scam Se Bacho” initiative is designed to promote a comprehensive understanding of digital safety through multiple channels, including:
- National Awareness Campaigns: The campaign will reach citizens in nine different Indian languages, ensuring the message of digital safety is accessible across diverse communities. This includes targeted content to address the most common types of online scams and how individuals can effectively identify and avoid them.
- Educational Media Content: To create a powerful impact, Meta has released an educational film featuring Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana, depicting real-life scenarios of online fraud and urging people to stay vigilant. The film illustrates how Meta’s in-built safety tools such as two-factor authentication, blocking, reporting, and WhatsApp group privacy settings can help safeguard users’ online activities.
- Partnership with Instagram Creators: In collaboration with well-known Instagram creators, Meta will run a content series to spread awareness about spotting and protecting against scams. These creators will share practical advice on using Meta’s safety features and demonstrate best practices for online safety.
- Training Sessions for Law Enforcement: In a bid to bolster cybersecurity at the national level, Meta will conduct specialized training for law enforcement personnel across the country, equipping them with skills to better prevent, detect, and respond to cybercrime.
- Television Talk Shows: Informative talk shows on Doordarshan will further disseminate knowledge about online safety, presenting discussions with cybersecurity experts and real-life accounts from scam victims, along with tips on how to stay secure online.
Government and Meta: A Joint Vision for Safer Digital Spaces
The partnership with Meta comes as a response to the Indian government’s heightened focus on cyber safety amid the country’s digital expansion. With over 900 million internet users and record-breaking UPI transactions, India stands at the forefront of the digital age, making it imperative to address the parallel increase in cyber threats.
S. Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, stressed the importance of the initiative, stating, “As India continues its digital transformation, ensuring the safety and security of citizens in the online space is a top priority. This joint campaign will further our efforts to educate users about cyber safety, promote responsible digital practices, and empower people to safeguard themselves against cyber threats.”
Echoing this sentiment, Rajesh Kumar, CEO of the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre, added, “The ‘Scam Se Bacho’ initiative is a timely and much-needed step towards protecting users from the ever-evolving landscape of online scams. Our collaboration with Meta will help us achieve our mission of enhancing awareness and strengthening law enforcement capabilities.”
Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, emphasized the significance of a holistic approach to digital security, explaining, “By leveraging Meta’s global expertise, the campaign will empower every Indian to protect themselves from cyber threats, ensuring that our digital progress is matched by robust digital security.”
Building Digital Vigilance: The Road Ahead
“Scam Se Bacho” not only highlights the collaboration between a tech giant and the Indian government but also marks a turning point in how digital safety is approached in the country. The integrated national campaign, diverse language outreach, and law enforcement training sessions aim to create a digitally aware society that is equipped to counter the surge of online scams.
With its various initiatives, “Scam Se Bacho” seeks to build a culture of digital vigilance, where users can navigate the internet with confidence. By providing the tools and knowledge needed to spot and avoid scams, Meta and the Indian government are striving to make the digital space a safer environment for everyone.