Mumbai: The ministry of information & broadcasting and Meta have joined forces to launch the ‘Scam se Bacho’ campaign, a national initiative focused on raising awareness about online scams and cyber frauds. The campaign, which was unveiled in New Delhi by information & broadcasting secretary, Sanjay Jaju aims to equip citizens with the skills needed to navigate the growing digital threats facing India.  

In collaboration with key ministries including the ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY), the ministry of home affairs (MHA), and the Indian cyber crime coordination centre (I4C), the campaign aligns with the government's ongoing efforts to enhance cyber safety and digital literacy. As India witnesses extraordinary digital growth, with over 900 million internet users and leading the world in UPI transactions, there has been a parallel increase in cyber fraud, with 1.1 million cases reported in 2023.  

Jaju emphasised the campaign's significance, stating, “Scam se Bacho is more than just an awareness drive. This campaign can be a national movement that empowers Indian citizens with the tools and knowledge to protect themselves from these threats. By leveraging Meta’s global expertise, the campaign will ensure our digital progress is matched by robust digital security.”  

The ‘Scam se Bacho’ initiative goes beyond traditional awareness efforts, focusing on fostering a culture of digital safety and vigilance. It aims to provide citizens with actionable insights to safeguard against online scams and equip them with the resources to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats. The campaign’s launch aligns with the prime minister’s call for stronger measures to combat cybersecurity challenges, advocating for an informed and resilient digital society.  

The government and Meta’s joint efforts represent a comprehensive strategy to confront rising cyber risks, ensuring that as India continues to achieve significant milestones in its digital journey, the nation remains protected from threats.