With the rapid growth of the internet and its use becoming central to millions of Indians accessing digital applications & services online, we are also witnessing a rise in cyber-crimes and safety threats. For India to unlock its potential in the coming techade, we need a more secure, safer and trusted internet that will help capitalise on India’s demographic dividend without fragmenting the internet . At the same time, protecting user privacy on the internet is critical and is also a fundamental right guaranteed by the Supreme Court of India.

Towards this, we need to explore policies and initiatives that enhance India’s ability to safeguard its cyberspace from threats and cyber attacks, as well as making the internet a safer place for everyone, irrespective of their caste, creed or gender. There is a need to address challenges around the internet’s inherent flaws, vulnerabilities from IoT, AI, data veracity and increasing digital fragmentation. There is also a need to enhance cyber hygiene education amongst the masses.

This sub theme will focus on the interplay of digital privacy, cybersecurity and online safety for nurturing trust in the internet ecosystem.

This sub-theme will explore discussions on important issues including (but not limited to)