BANGALORE: In response to a rise in cyber fraud cases among students, Bangalore's IT, BT department has teamed up with Meta to educate 1 million students and 100,000 teachers by 2025. The initiative, named 'Digital Nagarik' and AR-VR Skills Program,' was inaugurated on Thursday, marking a first-of-its-kind effort in India.
IT, BT Minister Priyank Kharge emphasized the significance of the program, highlighting Bangalore's alarming rate of over 9,000 cyber crime reports annually, resulting in daily losses of approximately Rs 1 crore to fraudsters. He attributed the surge in cyber crimes to lack of awareness, affecting students through bullying, morphing, and gaming-related scams.
The collaboration with Meta was initially outlined in November 2023, when Minister Kharge signed an agreement for a two-year partnership aimed at enhancing digital literacy and online safety. The program officially commenced this week, targeting students aged 18-24 in schools and PU colleges across Karnataka.
Under the initiative, Meta will train master trainers who will, in turn, educate students in digital safety and AR-VR skills. The program extends to 100 colleges and universities, promoting peer learning among students.
Kharge outlined plans for the first phase to cover Bangalore, Mysuru, Kalburgi, Belagavi, and Dakshina Kannada, with subsequent phases extending to other districts. He stressed the program's goal of creating a Cyber Safe Karnataka, aiming to equip youth with the knowledge and tools to navigate the digital realm securely.
The training module includes workshops, seminars, and hands-on activities conducted in Kannada and English, catering to diverse urban and rural communities. Kharge underscored the program's broader impact, empowering professionals across Karnataka with essential digital skills.
During the launch, 500 participants, including officials from education departments and teachers, attended virtually. Sessions covered topics such as AI, AR & VR, and online safety, emphasizing the importance of digital literacy in today's age.
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