The government, in collaboration with Meta, has launched the "Scam Se Bacho" campaign to address the rising threat of online scams. During the launch event in New Delhi, Sanjay Jaju, the Secretary of Information and Broadcasting, emphasized the critical importance of protecting citizens from these scams. His keynote address underscored the need for national awareness in combating online fraud.
Led by Meta, this initiative is being launched in collaboration with key ministries, including the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), and the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C). This effort aligns with the government's ongoing commitment to addressing the increasing cases of online scams and enhancing cybersecurity for Indian citizens.
While supporting the "Scam Se Bacho" campaign, Sanjay Jaju highlighted that it is a timely and necessary initiative aimed at protecting the public from the escalating risks associated with online scams. He acknowledged the campaign as a reflection of a collective government approach toward promoting a culture of digital safety and vigilance.
As India experiences rapid technological advancements, it also faces increasing cybersecurity challenges. The Secretary noted that India, now boasting over 900 million internet users, has achieved remarkable digital progress under the Digital India initiative and has become a global leader in UPI transactions. However, this rapid digital expansion has also led to a surge in cyber frauds, with 1.1 million cases reported in 2023 alone. The Prime Minister of India has stressed the importance of taking stronger measures to counter these threats and improve digital literacy across the nation.
Jaju further elaborated on the significance of the "Scam Se Bacho" campaign, highlighting that it is more than just an awareness initiative. It has the potential to become a nationwide movement, equipping Indian citizens with the necessary tools and knowledge to safeguard themselves against cyber threats. He underscored the importance of fostering a culture of digital safety and vigilance, ensuring that the country’s digital growth is accompanied by robust digital security measures.
By leveraging Meta’s global expertise, the campaign aims to empower individuals to protect themselves from cyber risks, thereby ensuring that India's digital progress is securely fortified.