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. 19/10/2024 4:04 PM
In a proactive move to tackle the rising tide of online scams in India, Meta, in partnership with the Indian government, has launched a safety campaign titled ‘Scam se Bacho’. This initiative, which will run for two months, aims to educate the Indian populace on how to identify and avoid cyber fraud, responding to the alarming increase in such cases across the country.
The ‘Scam se Bacho’ campaign is a collaborative effort involving several key government ministries, including:
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
Ministry of Home Affairs
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
Additionally, the campaign aligns with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre to bolster its efforts in combating cyber threats.
The campaign has outlined three primary goals:
Raise Awareness: Increase public understanding of online scams and cyber fraud.
Empower Citizens: Equip individuals with the tools and knowledge necessary to stay safe online.
Promote Caution: Foster a culture of vigilance regarding cyber threats, enabling people to better recognize and avoid potential scams.
The launch of this campaign underscores the Indian government’s dedication to addressing cyber threats, particularly as the nation’s digital footprint continues to expand. With over 900 million internet users in India and approximately 1.1 million cyber fraud cases reported in 2023 alone, there is a pressing need for enhanced digital literacy and security.
Sanjay Jaju, the Secretary of Information and Broadcasting, expressed optimism that this initiative could evolve into a “national movement” aimed at promoting online safety. By leveraging Meta’s expertise in digital platforms, the campaign seeks to empower citizens, ensuring they remain informed about cybersecurity risks as digital technology evolves.
Meta Platforms, Inc., formerly known as Facebook, rebranded in 2021 to reflect its commitment to building the metaverse—a virtual universe for social interaction. The term “meta” is derived from a Greek word meaning “beyond.” Meta has developed Horizon Worlds, a platform for social experiences in virtual reality (VR). The company acquired Oculus VR, a VR headset manufacturer, in 2014 for $2 billion.
Despite facing criticism in 2022 regarding privacy issues and data management, Meta is investing heavily in artificial intelligence (AI) and VR technologies. With over 3 billion active users across its platforms, including Instagram and WhatsApp, Meta remains a significant player in the digital landscape.
Through the ‘Scam se Bacho’ campaign, Meta and the Indian government are taking important steps to protect citizens in an increasingly digital world, promoting safety and awareness to help curb the rising incidence of online fraud.
