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Internet safety campaign 'Stop. Think. Connect' launched

A joint initiative of Facebook, Google, Kaspersky and Microsoft under the aegis of DSCI

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Internet safety campaign 'Stop. Think. Connect' launched

Internet safety campaign 'Stop. Think. Connect' launched

A joint initiative of Facebook, Google, Kaspersky and Microsoft under the aegis of DSCI

BestMediaInfo Bureau | Delhi | February 6, 2013

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On the occasion of Safer Internet Day, theData Security Council of India (DSCI), in association with Facebook, Google, Kaspersky and Microsoft has launched the India edition of 'Stop. Think. Connect' to help all digital citizens stay safer and more secure online. 'Stop. Think. Connect', as the name suggests, are the steps one should practice online: Stop (assess and consider), Think (apply thought) and then Connect (after due diligence).

Internet is one of the most evolving and powerful mediums in the country today and is used extensively especially by the youth. Most are, however, still unaware of basic steps to ensure safety while being online. This unique coalition of industry leaders addresses this need for increasing awareness on the responsible and ethical use of this platform.

The campaign involves a college outreach programme in the top Indian metros – Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata. The campaign, in the form of a Street Play Competition for college students, kick-started in Delhi on February 5, 2013, and will commence in other cities in the following weeks. The participants in each city will have to ideate and present a creative theatrical interpretation of key themes around Internet Safety, with the best team taking home a cash award of Rs 50,000.

The city finale will happen in one of the leading colleges in Delhi, with the jury comprising some of the popular theatre personalities and representatives from the partner companies.

Fever 104 FM is the exclusive radio partner for this event. The station will amplify the concept through an innovative on-air campaign as well as on-ground activities. The campaign is being powered online by Media for Change, a young collective, and urges all users to make online safety a part of their daily routine.

Students interested in participating in the Street Play Competition can log in to join us at www.facebook.com/stopthinkconnectindia, send contributions for http://stcindia.blogspot.in/, follow us at https://twitter.com/India_STC, and for interesting videos and updates tune in to http://www.youtube.com/user/stcindia1 for all information. Participants can also SMS STCIndia and send in their entries on 54252.

The campaign is an attempt to create an Internet Safety movement  especially amongst young users and hopes to empower India citizens to stay safe and secure online will they get optimal returns from this very powerful enabler- The Internet. The campaign runs with the theme 'Internet Safety and You'.

Manoj Varghese, Director, Facebook India, said, “Our mission is to make the world more open and connected. And with more than a billion users on our site to share photos, news and their stories, it is important to make sure that the online environment where people connect and share is also a safe one.”

Jagannath Patnaik, Director – Channel Sales, Kaspersky Lab - South Asia, commented, “With more than 200,000 malware appearing every day, Internet users are exposed to greater risks. This can be reduced if users take adequate security measures, understand the consequences of their behavior and actions and enjoy the benefits of the Internet.  Kaspersky Lab believes that everyone has the right to be free from cyber security fears. Having said that, keeping the Internet safe and secure is our shared responsibility. With the 'Stop. Think. Connect' initiative we would like to encourage each and every individual to take extra steps and efforts to create safer digital world using the simple tools and resources shared on this platform.”

Meenu Handa, Director - Corporate Communication, Microsoft India, said, “India today has the largest number of young people in the world – and more and more of them are living their lives online: learning, interacting, and socializing. At the same time, a recently released Microsoft Computing Safety Index (MCSI) shows that users in India do little to practise safer online habits despite multiple risks. We believe it is our responsibility to ensure that they have a better understanding of safe online behavior and enjoy the benefits of being connected without any potential hazard.”

Som Mittal, President, NASSCOM, added, “Given the increased use of technology in today's day and age, there is a growing need to ensure information security and privacy. This outreach programme undertaken by DSCI in the top metro cities of India is an appreciative step taken to ensure all digital citizens stay safe and more secure online. DSCI has always taken steps on a continuous basis to sensitize the industry on the various contemporary security and privacy issues. With the launch of the 'Stop. Think. Connect' campaign, I am sure this initiative of the DSCI will successfully create and increase awareness on the current security challenges amongst the youth, and wish to congratulate DSCI and partners for taking up this awareness campaign at such a large scale.”

Kamlesh Bajaj, CEO, Data Security Council of India (DSCI), commented, “Safeguarding self is a natural instinct. Like one follows simple rules while crossing the roads, there are rules to be followed while navigating through the cyberspace. It is important for the digital society especially the youngsters to be vigilant about threats emanating from the use of Internet and be aware of their own responsibilities as online users. The individuals must follow simple yet effective best practices such as keeping strong passwords, installing genuine software, not responding to spurious emails, among many others. This will help protect them from possible harm while accessing the Internet for work, leisure and entertainment. DSCI has brought the major stakeholders together to create awareness on the safe use of the Internet.”

Info@BestMediaInfo.com

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