Bengaluru DCP Educates Youth on Social Media Risks and Cyber Safety
In a crucial effort to enhance digital awareness among young citizens, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Crime Branch) Raja Imam Kasim P conducted an interactive session with pre-university students at APS PU College in Basavanagudi, Bengaluru. The event, held on Monday, was organized as part of The Times of India's ongoing digital safety campaign, #Don'tGetScammed.
Understanding Data Privacy and Social Media Threats
During the session, DCP Kasim emphasized the significant dangers associated with interacting with strangers on various social media platforms. He provided a detailed explanation of how personal information is managed by major technology companies and stressed the critical importance for individuals to understand what happens with their data once it is shared online.
Kasim highlighted several key areas of concern:
- The risks of financial loss through in-game purchases, particularly in popular games like PUBG, where children often use UPI for transactions.
- The necessity for parents to utilize parental control tools to monitor and restrict such activities.
- Precautions to be taken while using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for gaming and other applications, as they can sometimes expose users to vulnerabilities.
Essential Cybercrime Resources and Reporting Mechanisms
The DCP made students aware of the national helpline for cybercrimes, 1930, and urged victims to report any fraudulent activities immediately without delay. He also advised reporting suspicious transactions through the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) app or by contacting the police helpline at 112.
Additional safety tips shared by DCP Kasim included:
- Avoid granting blanket permissions to mobile applications.
- Permit only those features that are absolutely necessary for the app's functionality.
- Refrain from clicking on suspicious links, as they can provide fraudsters with access to conduct remote transactions.
Institutional Support and Community Response
Vishnu Bharath Alampalli, President of APS Institutions, expressed gratitude to The Times of India for initiating the cyber safety program. He noted that "senior citizens and students are particularly vulnerable to cybercrimes, and this session delivered a vital message to our youth."
S Nagaraj, Principal of APS PU College, remarked that "having DCP Kasim share his expertise on the relevant issue of cyber-safety made the session immensely beneficial for both students and teachers."
Prakash A, General Secretary of APS Institutions, underscored the importance of remaining vigilant and well-informed in today's digital era. He encouraged all participants to use technology wisely and take proactive steps to safeguard their personal information online.
This initiative underscores the growing need for comprehensive digital literacy and cyber safety education, especially among younger demographics who are frequent users of social media and online platforms.
