On Safer Internet Day (February 7), chat with this smart, free chatbot to learn safe online behaviours

Larry Magid, Ed.D, is an internet safety advocate and the co-founder of ConnectSafely.org, a non-profit organisation that has been the official U.S. host of Safer Internet Day (SID) since 2014. In a recent article, he hoped that this Safer Internet Day, people across the world would seriously discuss how to make the internet safer for their loved ones, communities, workplaces, and schools. India would do well to heed this advice as according to a 2022 report by online platform Statista, the country had over 749 million internet users in 2022 and this figure is projected to grow to over 1.5 billion users by 2040.

With a large number of young internet users, it is crucial that information about safer internet behaviours is easily accessible. To achieve this, the national NGO Population Foundation of India has built upon their chatbot SnehAI’s features and content to provide young people with a safe, secure, and non-judgmental space that provides information in a relatable manner. Since the inception of SnehAI in April 2019, the free for all chatbot has used the principles of social and behaviour change communication (SBCC) to spread awareness on adolescent health and wellbeing issues. The latest version of the chatbot, launched in April 2022, integrates content on online children sexual exploitation and abuse (OCSEA) developed as part of the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children (EVAC) Fund. The chatbot, available on Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp, offers support to young people in becoming better equipped in their use and consumption of online content and supports them with tools and resources for better, safer online behaviour.

We break down the biggest concerns of India’s young people via this informative initiative

Q1. What dangers should I be most wary of when using the internet?

Explaining that peer pressure is a factor in influencing online behaviour, SnehAI outlines the hazards of oversharing personal information, using unverified apps, interacting with strangers or posting intimate videos/pictures. Being a bully online or being subjected to bullying can cause equal harm, and the chatbot informs adolescents about how with just a little care, they can avoid or counter the difficulties caused by cyberbullying, invasion of privacy, offensive images/messages, and trolling.

Q2. How can I keep myself safe from these online dangers?

Even though your digital traces could lead scamsters to you, adolescents need to be careful about where they put their credit or debit card information and to whom they disclose their email ids. Personal Information (PI) is often exploited by cybercriminals and nefarious elements to harass or even gain access to banks/credit cards. As such, the single most important aspect of safe online browsing behaviour is to keep personal information secure. SnehAI explains these threats to adolescents in a visually engaging and relatable manner and provides them tips on how they can safeguard their private information online.

Q3. How can one recognise and report cybercrime?

Cybercrime is a catchall phrase for a wide array of criminal behaviour and activities perpetrated online. A basic understanding of the Information Technology Act of 2000, can also empower adolescents to deal with online hazards and cybercrimes like hacking, cyberbullying, online grooming and abuse. Knowing that they could register a complaint with the cybercrime.gov.in or lodge an FIR at a police station can benefit not just the adolescents but also their friends who may be under risk.

Q4. How can one become an “Internet ke Champion”?

In SnehAI’s lexicon, ‘Internet Ke Champion’ is a term used to describe young people who have learnt how to make the best use of the internet, while simultaneously being aware about its dangers and ensuring that they follow safe browsing practices. The term also advocates steering clear of unethical activities and practices and engaging with others online responsibly. Important advice from SnehAI for aspiring “Internet ke Champions” includes blocking and reporting bullies, safeguarding private information by preventing others from accessing their social media accounts, and by never sharing passwords, addresses, or private images. Simple acts like double-checking links before clicking them and only using age-appropriate applications and websites can go a long way in protecting adolescents from online predators and scammers.