Google pushes for adding Internet safety to curriculum in India

Technology giant Google is in discussions with 4-5 states across the country for including Internet safety as part of the curriculum for schools.

The US-based company is already working with Goa government for educating students on being safe on Internet.

"We are trying to get into curriculum. Goa was one, we are trying to work with many more governments and central board to make sure this becomes a part of regular discussion. There are 4-5 states (that are part of discussion)," Google India Director Trust and Safety Sunita Mohanty told PTI. She, however, did not disclose the names of the states.

About 460 teachers were trained in Goa, who will reach out to 80,000 students.

Apart from creating the curriculum for students, Google is also working on educating women and consumers as well on the importance of staying safe while browsing and transacting on the web.

Globally, tech giants are undertaking efforts to propagate the idea of secure online experience. In fact, February 7 is being celebrated as Safer Internet Day.

According to a Microsoft survey conducted across 14 countries through its Digital Civility Index (DCI), 63 per cent of Indian respondents reported having been exposed to an online risk.

About 44 per cent of the Indian respondents said they had experienced their most recent online risk within the past month, indicating higher frequency.

Interestingly, males in the country reported more risks across categories – 64 per cent compared to 61 per cent for females.

Also, more females tightened privacy controls (61 per cent) compared to males (50 per cent) after experiencing online risk.

"Microsoft is using the Index to amplify awareness and demonstrate the need to further educate young adults, parents, educators, and policymakers about the real-world consequences of negative online interactions, which can have serious consequences," Microsoft India Associate General Counsel Madhu Khatri said.

On intrusive behaviour like hate speech, discrimination, unwanted contact or terrorism recruiting, 79 per cent Indian respondents reported concern levels.

About 77 per cent Indian respondents reported behavioural concerns like cyberbullying, trolling or online harassment.

"Concerns on unwanted sexual solicitation, sexting, revenge porn, or sextortion was reported by 77 per cent Indians. Concerns on unwanted reputational behaviour such as

doxing and damage to personal or workplace reputation was reported by 77 per cent Indians," it said.