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Meta, in collaboration with the Indian government, has initiated a safety campaign named ‘Scam se Bacho’. This two-month campaign is designed to educate the Indian public on how to avoid online scams, addressing the rising cyber fraud cases in the country.
Campaign Overview
The ‘Scam se Bacho’ initiative is a joint effort involving several key government ministries:
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
Ministry of Home Affairs
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
Additionally, the campaign collaborates with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre.
Objectives
The campaign aims to:
Raise awareness about online scams and cyber fraud.
Equip citizens with the tools and knowledge to stay safe online.
Foster a culture of caution, making people more aware of cyber threats and how to avoid them.
Government’s Commitment
This campaign underscores the Indian government’s commitment to combating cyber threats, particularly as the digital presence in India expands rapidly. With over 900 million internet users and approximately 1.1 million cyber fraud cases reported in 2023, the need for improved digital literacy and security has become paramount.
Potential Impact
Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of Information and Broadcasting, expressed hope that the campaign could evolve into a “national movement” for promoting online safety. Leveraging Meta’s expertise in digital platforms, the campaign aims to empower citizens to navigate the digital world safely, making them more aware of cybersecurity risks and protection measures.
About Meta
Meta Platforms, Inc., previously known as Facebook, rebranded in 2021 to emphasize its focus on developing the metaverse—a virtual space for social interactions. The term “meta” is derived from the Greek word meaning “beyond.” Meta created Horizon Worlds, a platform for social experiences in virtual reality (VR). The company acquired Oculus VR, a manufacturer of VR headsets, for $2 billion in 2014. In 2022, Meta faced significant criticism regarding privacy issues and data management. The company is heavily investing in artificial intelligence (AI) and VR technologies. Across its platforms, including Instagram and WhatsApp, Meta has over 3 billion active users each month.