Introduction
With an increase in the number of people using telecommunication services, internet facilities and electronic devices in Generation Z (Gen Z) or millennials, somewhere lack the basic awareness that comes along with the gloomy side of internet usage. Since there is no demarcated territory for any user in cyberspace, the tracing of an offender is challenging. This can be avoided only if the netizens are well aware of the process and the risks involved thereby.
Need of Cyber Literacy
Just as a common man is expected to know the primary mathematics, basics of tax filing or simple medical awareness for his/her healthy survival; a digital user is expected to know the basics of the same.
Digital hardship has been an ongoing issue in India even before the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, with the advance of virtual learning, internet connectivity has become more of an ‘essential service’ rather than for leisure.
For example: Under ‘Namo Tablet Yojna’, around 3.5 lakhs students were given the tablets for a subsidized cost of Rs. 1000.
‘Cyber Literacy’ signifies the ability to use the computer or any electronic device using the internet services and its related technologies effectively and having the knowledge of the respective consequences. It is also important to know where to go and find accurate sources and content from the internet.
Indian Scenario in 2021
THE ‘DIGITAL INDIA’ - POWER TO EMPOWER is a flagship programme of the Government of India with a vision to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. Few astounding initiatives that have eased the long monotonous processes are mentioned below:-
(i) AGRIMARKET APP: The farmers can get the information related to prices of crops in markets within 50km of their device location using this application.
(ii) E-HOSPITAL: This is a Hospital Management Information System (HMIS) for the internal working of hospitals, which helps in connecting patients, hospitals and doctors on a single digital platform.
(iii) E-PRISON: This application integrates all the activities related to prison, its management and provides information on each prisoner and officials involved in the criminal justice system.
Since a large population of India stays in the rural areas where electricity itself is a fortune, the scope of cyber literacy in the entire country loses its essence. However, at the challenging times of pandemic, the situation is comparatively improving day by day essentially for the education of children. The below-mentioned image shows the Indian penetration rate which is the percentage of the population in a country using the internet facilities :
Image 1: Internet Penetration Rate in India [2007-2021 (2021 data is recurring)]
Conclusion
Since the internet is the only medium where everyone is connected at the times of Covid-19, individuals should understand the possible outcomes of anything that’s done in cyberspace. The digital footprints of every netizen are constantly monitored and traceable, one should attain the training sessions and campaigns regarding cyber awareness and reach out to organizations who are providing cyber literacy.
By: Liza Vanjani
(Legal Intern, WCSF)
For more updates, please visit our website: https://www.worldcybersecurities.com/
FOOTNOTES:
(1) Digital India, https://www.digitalindia.gov.in/services (Last modified on: November 23 2021, 4.00 PM)
(2) Sandhya Keelery, Internet penetration rate in India 2007-2021 www.statista.com/statistics/792074/india-internet-penetration-rate/ (Last modified: April 27 2021, 01:28 PM)
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