As digital technologies become further integrated into the everyday lives of Indians, new internet users are potentially exposed to greater risks. If one is not careful, they could be a victim of cybercrimes, privacy violations, and misinformation. However, the risks and benefits of internet access go hand in hand. The need of the hour, therefore, is to support these new users to minimize the risks, without limiting their digital participation, and their capacity to derive the full benefits of internet access. The Cyber Salamat Digital Safety Campaign started in 2021 with the objective to counter this problem. The campaign uses participatory methodologies and powerful communication tools to help the Next Half Billion internet users learn to keep themselves and their information safe in the cyberworld.With our Digital Safety Campaign, we aim to:

• Educate communities on digital safety by using creative messaging on digital platforms
• Introduce Grassroots Comics as a tool to share personal experiences of internet users
• Promote digital equity by providing accessible knowledge of internet basics
• Incorporate digital safety education in the school curriculum.

Campaign targets both educated and less tech-savvy audiences including people untouched by this digital revolution.

Under the campaign -

• World Comics India has developed a series of informative comic books on issues ranging from the basics of the internet, digital safety, security, gaming, and well-being to cyber laws
• Created informative animation on the above themes
• Developed a module for trainers
• Conducted a series of workshops to get the first-hand stories of first-time mobile users
• Created CyberSalamat website as an online resource.

In the second year, the project aims to –

• Collect 250 more stories from first time mobile and internet users
• Train 300 trainers across the country
• Update existing content and create new content
• Incorporate digital safety education in the school curriculum.