Safer Internet Day

Inspiring Change? Making a Difference, Managing Influence, and Navigating Change Online

Safer Internet Day is observed every year on February 6 to promote safer and responsible Internet use. It is about bringing awareness about online safety, privacy, and security. Lack of awareness enhances the vulnerability of internet users. An estimate puts that 65% of the world’s population has access to the Internet. From 6% before 2000, it has grown to 65% now. India has the second-highest Internet users in the world (~900 million subscribers). As technology evolves and spreads in countries like ours, the gap in availability and use emerges. With the increase in users and the Internet becoming all-pervasive in society, misuse of technology has increased. Concerns about the safety of children, teenagers and older people using the Internet have multiplied. Over 45% of internet users have concurred that they have endured some cyber-harassment. Some of the consequences are psychological disorderliness and some people taking extreme steps of committing suicide. The Internet is a vast and ever-evolving landscape, and it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks and dangers that come with it. Remember, staying safe online is a shared responsibility. 

Cybercrime is the Number one problem with humanity, and it poses real risks to humanity.

Warren Buffett

Safer Internet Day is observed every year on February 6 and aims to promote safer and responsible Internet use, especially among children and young people. The observation is about bringing awareness about online safety, privacy, and security. Lack of awareness enhances the vulnerability of internet users. It is crucial to educate about safe practices and hold discussions in schools, workplaces, and communities about topics like cyberbullying, phishing, and protecting personal data.

An estimate puts the internet users worldwide at around 5 billion (as of 2023). That is, about 65% of the world’s population has access to the Internet. From 6% before 2000, it has grown to 65% now. Most of the access to the Internet is through mobiles, and people spend as much as 7 hours online daily on average.

Everyone has a role to play in creating a safer online space.

In India, early computer networks have been operated since the late 1970s by the ONGC and the defence establishment. In India, access to the Internet started becoming available in 1986 and was initially available only to the educational and research community (ERNET).  VSNL launched the Internet for public use in 1995. India has the second-highest Internet users in the world (~900 million). The World Economic Forum estimates that by 2030, it can reach 80% of the population. As technology grows and spreads in countries like ours, the gap in availability and use emerges. Indeed, there is a digital gender gap among many male Internet users, and worryingly, the growth is happening in urban areas.

With the increase in users and the Internet becoming all-pervasive in society, misuse of technology has increased. Concerns about the safety of children, teenagers and older people using the Internet. Over 45% have concurred that they have endured some cyber-harassment. Some of the consequences are Psychological disorderliness and some people taking extreme steps to commit suicide. Cyberattacks on businesses and organisations are growing.

Empower users to make informed choices. Collaborate with all the stakeholders. Collaborative efforts are essential to create a safer online environment for everyone.

The World Economic Forum’s 2023 Global Risk report ranks cybercrime as one of the top 10 risks facing the world today. The damages worldwide due to cybercrime could be as high as over 9 trillion in 2024. UN Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders discussed cybercrimes at length. A survey by Microsoft found that consumers in India experienced a relatively high online fraud encounter rate of 69%. An estimate states that online financial frauds account for 77% of India’s total cybercrime ecosystem.

Safe Internet Day campaign encourages everyone to come together and play their part in creating a better internet. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or young person, we must work together to ensure a safer and more positive online experience!

The Internet is a vast and ever-evolving landscape, and awareness of its potential risks and dangers is essential. Remember, staying safe online is a shared responsibility. 

Toons: Reema Jaiswal
Logs: M. Sai Baba
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