From digital payments and online shopping to communication and entertainment, the internet has transformed how we live, work, and connect. With over 950 million internet subscribers and another 600 million yet to join, India’s digital economy is without parallel. But the growth in internet usage hasn’t been in lock-step with digital literacy, leading to a pressing challenge: keeping users safe online. India is the second most cyber-attacked country in the world. The threat surface is growing, and so are the instances of online scams, frauds, and data breaches. 

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Why Internet Safety Matters More Than Ever 

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While the internet empowers millions, it also exposes them to unique risks. Young or old, digital natives or digital migrants—no one is immune. Cybercriminals exploit the fact that different groups have different vulnerabilities.  

 

• Young users are vulnerable to a range of cybercrimes, from the hosting and distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) to cyberstalking and bullying. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), India recorded 8.9 million alerts related to CSAM in 2023. Additionally, India reports the highest instances of cyberbullying globally, with 85 per cent of children experiencing online harassment.    

• Older adults are increasingly falling prey to phishing emails, fake tech support calls, and deceptive financial schemes. According to the Reserve Bank of India’s annual report for FY23, fraud cases involving the elderly increased by 48.7% compared to the previous fiscal year.  

• Small businesses face mounting threats from ransomware. A study by NASSCOM reveals that 68% of Indian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) faced ransomware attacks in 2023. 

 

Given the scope and scale of the threats, a one-size-fits-all approach to online safety simply doesn’t work anymore. 

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The Need for a Collaborative, Multisectoral Response 

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The user security challenges India faces are complex and intersectional. They transcend boundaries and require a whole-of-society approach. While developed countries have been working on internet safety initiatives for years, many developing countries, including India, are still catching up. This is where Safer Internet India comes in. 

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Introducing Safer Internet India 

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Safer Internet India is a coalition of like-minded companies spanning various segments of India’s burgeoning digital economy. We’ve come together to address the urgent societal need to tackle online scams, cyber threats, and data breaches. Our mission is simple: to strengthen user trust and safety online. 

 

Through this initiative, we aim to: 

1. Aggregate Insights: Bring together diverse but like-minded partners to share knowledge and best practices 

2. Facilitate Conversations: Initiate discussions among stakeholders—industry, government, and civil society—that have been absent so far 

3. Increase Awareness: Create context-specific, multilingual, and multicultural resources to educate users about online risks 

4. Leverage Global Vantage Point: Harness the global presence of our partners to share insights, identify malicious trends, and adopt international best-practices 
    

Our First Step: The User Safety Handbook 

 

To make internet safety accessible to everyone, we’ve created a User Safety Handbook. It’s simple, relevant, and jargon-free, designed to empower users with the knowledge they need to stay safe online. Whether you’re a tech-savvy teenager or someone just starting their digital journey, this handbook is for you. 

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Why This Matters for India’s Digital Future 

 

India’s internet penetration is on the rise, but with this growth comes responsibility. The next 600 million users coming online are arguably more vulnerable to cyber threats. As we expand digital access, we cannot afford to be complacent. Safer Internet India is committed to ensuring that every user—whether in urban centres or rural villages—can navigate the digital world with confidence and security. 

 

Join Us in Building a Safer Internet 

 

Internet safety is not just the responsibility of a few—it’s a collective effort. By working together, we can create a digital ecosystem that is secure, inclusive, and trustworthy. Stay tuned for more updates, resources, and initiatives from Safer Internet India. Together, let’s make the internet a safer place for everyone. 

 

Because a safer internet is a better internet. 

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Safer Internet India is a coalition of companies dedicated to strengthening user trust and safety online. Follow us for more insights, tips, and resources to stay safe in the digital world. 

 

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डिजिटल सुरक्षा, सबकी ज़िम्मेदारी  

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