In response to the growing menace of cyber threats and online scams, India has unveiled the Digital Jan Shakti initiative as a transformative measure to secure the nation’s digital future. This pioneering effort, led by the cybersecurity non-profit organization CyberPeace in collaboration with InMobi, aims to strengthen digital safety and cybersecurity skills among youth and underserved communities across the country. The program aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of fostering a safe and productive internet environment.
During the launch of this initiative, Sanjay Seth, Union Minister of State for Defence, emphasized its critical role in bridging the digital divide and empowering vulnerable populations against online scams. Seth stated, “The Digital Jan Shakti initiative is imperative for India’s digital future. With cyber threats evolving rapidly, this effort will not only provide essential cybersecurity skills but also ensure no citizen is left exposed to vulnerabilities in the digital domain.”
The program seeks to create a cyber-resilient society by addressing alarming trends such as scams like “Digital Arrests.” Designed as a bottom-up movement, the first phase of the initiative is set to reach over 10,000 beneficiaries across the nation. This effort represents a crucial step toward fostering secure online practices and building awareness about cybersecurity among those most at risk.
Dr. Subi Chaturvedi, Global SVP and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at InMobi, underscored the urgency of the initiative. “Cyber threats require us to act swiftly and decisively. Digital Jan Shakti aims to educate and empower communities with the tools and knowledge to navigate the internet securely. This initiative focuses on proactive measures to safeguard individuals against malicious cyber activities.”
Major Vineet Kumar, Founder and Global President of CyberPeace, described the initiative as transformative for India’s digital landscape. He highlighted its emphasis on equipping youth, women, and underserved groups with critical cybersecurity skills. The inaugural workshop, held in Ranchi, attracted over 500 enthusiastic participants from underserved communities who were introduced to interactive sessions on crucial topics. These included safe online behavior, protection of personal information, identification of phishing scams, and privacy maintenance on social media platforms.
The initiative’s emphasis on inclusivity reflects its mission to close the gap in digital literacy and security skills. By targeting populations often overlooked in digital safety discussions, Digital Jan Shakti aims to create a more equitable and secure cyberspace. The collaboration between CyberPeace and InMobi underlines the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing the complex challenges posed by the digital age.
India has long recognized the significance of cybersecurity in its rapidly digitizing economy, and the Digital Jan Shakti initiative stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens from cyber vulnerabilities. With its focus on education, awareness, and skill-building, the initiative is expected to make a substantial impact on the lives of thousands, fostering a digitally vigilant society equipped to tackle the challenges of the future.
