Itanagar, Feb 10: Safer Internet Day 2026, themed “Smart Tech, Safe Choices – Exploring the Safe and Responsible Use of AI,” was observed across Arunachal Pradesh on Tuesday with awareness programmes organised at Namsai, Khonsa (Tirap) and Dera Natung Government College (DNGC), Itanagar.
The Safer Internet Day is observed globally on the second Tuesday of February to promote safe, responsible and secure use of the internet.
At Namsai, the observance was held at the DC’s Conference Hall under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner C R Khampa and organised by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), Namsai. The programme was attended by heads of departments, police personnel, teachers and students from Arunachal University of Studies and Government Secondary School, Namsai.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted that while the internet has become integral to daily life and simplified many tasks, it has also brought challenges such as cybercrime and job displacement. He expressed hope that the workshop would help participants adopt safer internet practices.
District Informatics Officer W Namchoom delivered a detailed presentation on cyber threats including phishing, OTP and UPI frauds, fake customer care scams, malware through APKs, deepfake and AI voice scams, social media hacking and digital arrest frauds. Preventive measures such as cyber hygiene, two-factor authentication and reporting cybercrime through the 1930 helpline or cybercrime.gov.in were explained.
He also highlighted the role of AI in sectors like healthcare, education, disaster management and fraud detection, and outlined provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
In Tirap district, Safer Internet Day was celebrated at Khonsa with the chief guest Namneet Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner, stressing responsible use of social media, cybercrime prevention and secure handling of digital devices.
District Informatics Officer, NIC Khonsa, Mamta Kumari delivered the keynote address, highlighting emerging online challenges and the nationwide observance led by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology under the ISEA project.
Awareness sessions, demonstrations and a pledge for responsible internet usage marked the programme, which saw participation from district officials, Panchayat leaders and other stakeholders.
Meanwhile, at DNGC Itanagar, Safer Internet Day was observed through an awareness programme organised by NIC in collaboration with the college. DNGC Principal Dr M Q Khan cautioned students against misinformation, internet addiction and excessive screen time, urging balanced digital use.
Presentations by NIC and MeitY officials focused on AI-related cyber risks, ethical AI use, deepfake scams, data privacy and government initiatives such as CERT-In and Cyber Swachhta Kendra. The programme concluded with an interactive session and vote of thanks.
The observances collectively reinforced the importance of safe, ethical and responsible internet and AI usage in the digital age.