The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has announced a collaboration with Google on cyber safety, aiming to amplify the government’s “Stay Safe Online” campaign. Google will work with the Indian government to launch a series of videos featuring YouTube creators who will educate users on responsible information sharing online. The videos will focus on specific skills that help users evaluate the quality of information available on the internet.
The YouTube creators will provide insights on establishing the credentials of information sources, understanding their motivations, corroborating content with subject-matter experts, and gathering cited and verifiable evidence. In addition, YouTube has introduced a digital literacy program called “Hit Pause” that promotes critical thinking when consuming online information.
Akash Tripathi, CEO of MyGov, highlighted the opportunity presented by India’s G20 Presidency to shape an inclusive model of the internet and establish global standards. He expressed the government’s satisfaction with Google joining the effort to raise awareness about online risks among citizens.
Sanjay Gupta, Vice President of Google India, emphasized India’s progress in becoming a trillion-dollar digital economy. With over 700 million Indians using the internet and driving transformative innovations through digital technologies, Gupta emphasized the importance of ensuring an inclusive and safe internet for all citizens. He stated that Google’s top priority was to provide a safe and helpful online experience while supporting India’s digital growth.
The collaboration between MeitY and Google reflects the joint commitment to promoting cyber safety and empowering users to navigate the online space responsibly. By leveraging the influence of YouTube creators and launching educational initiatives, the partnership aims to equip Indian internet users with the necessary skills to evaluate information and make informed decisions online.
