The number of internet users from Village to global is increasing every year. Similar to the violations of Human Rights in the real world, there are more violations of Human Rights, their privacy, safety, security and data protection in the growing virtual world. Online harassment, threats, cyber bullying, stalking and other online misconduct cases are rising day to day in the digital world. To address these issues and to protect human rights and their right to digital safety, privacy and security and to mitigate the online risks and threats The Bachchao Project and Safe Sisters team has created this inclusive fellowship opportunity globally.
I feel proud of getting this fellowship opportunity and to gain knowledge on Digital Hygiene, safety, security and methods to mitigate online harassment. The methods used for TOT training sessions were impact, in a shorter time covered more information and however as a fellow it’s our responsibility to work further, plan region wise, use the alternative and suitable words while sharing and spreading this important piece of knowledge for the community in rural setup.
This training has been more useful in the tech era as the challenges and issues in the virtual world keep popping up every day, as a fellow we also need to be updated as on date to mitigate the digital safety and security issues and contribute for the protection of Human Rights and safety in the virtual world too. The training helped as a first aid kit to keep safety awareness while using various applications and online sites. While performing training to rural human rights activist who have experienced online cheating , online scams asking for their personal details from unknown calls, miss use of mobile Sim cards and bank accounts links to different numbers money being accessed by other people . Unknown people asking for KYC updation for bank accounts etc., 10 participants had 30 to 56 applications being installed in their phones which they don’t use on regular basis, as part of digital hygiene the apps that aren’t used are been uninstalled by themselves, the device name, Bluetooth name are been changed and participants were encouraged not access or to use Wifi coonections in Public places, Hotels, Cafes etc., Safe use of online sites and discussed the reporting steps in social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, participants installed two factor authentication app to protect their gmail and other accounts. Growing online harassment, stalking, threats, gender based violence were discussed and risk mitigation steps to identify and address the online harassment were discussed with the team to protect the physical and mental safety of an individual.
Team actively engaged in the process of learning and implementation of digital safety and security ,as they been connected by discussing and asking doubts when they come across or face digital challenges.