Meta Partners with Indian Government to Protect Citizens from Online Fraud

New Delhi: In a move to combat the escalating problem of online scams and cyber fraud in India, Meta, in partnership with the Indian government, launched the "Scam se Bacho" National User Awareness Campaign on Thursday. The campaign, officially launched by Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of Information and Broadcasting, aims to equip Indian citizens with the knowledge and tools necessary to protect themselves from these threats.

The initiative is a collaborative effort between Meta and several key ministries, including the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), and the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C). This "whole-of-government approach," as emphasized by Mr. Jaju, underscores the government's commitment to ensuring digital safety for its citizens.

India, with over 900 million internet users, has witnessed a surge in digital transactions, becoming a global leader in UPI payments. However, this rapid digital growth has also brought with it a rise in cybercrime, with 1.1 million cases reported in 2023.

"Scam se Bacho" goes beyond just raising awareness. The campaign seeks to empower citizens to become active participants in their digital safety. By leveraging Meta's global expertise and reach, the campaign aims to create a national movement, encouraging vigilance and providing practical resources.

"Our goal is simple but powerful—to create a culture of digital safety and vigilance," stated Jaju. He expressed confidence that the campaign would enable every Indian to navigate the digital world safely, ensuring that India's digital progress is matched by robust digital security.