The District Administration Reasi today observed ‘Safer Internet Day 2026’ by organising a Mega Awareness Workshop on the theme “Stay Alert in the Age of AI: Safe and Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence.” The workshop was aimed to promote safe and responsible use of the internet and Artificial Intelligence, raise awareness about emerging online threats and encourage cyber hygiene, particularly among students.
The programme was organised as part of a nationwide initiative of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) under the Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA) Project. Safer Internet Day is observed globally on the second Tuesday of February, which fell on February 10 this year.
Deputy Commissioner Reasi, Nidhi Malik, was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner said that in today’s digital-first world, the internet has become an indispensable part of daily life; however, cybercrime is becoming increasingly common, with scammers deliberately targeting the younger generation, one of the most active user groups of digital platforms.
She cautioned that unknowing sharing of personal information on social networking sites, online gaming platforms and digital applications can lead to identity theft, data misuse and exposure to harmful elements, a growing concern among students.
She described cyberbullying as a serious issue, noting that online harassment is a major cause of stress, anxiety, depression and behavioural changes among young users. Highlighting the rapid spread of misinformation and fake news, she stated that lack of digital literacy often makes it difficult for students to identify and verify misleading content, thereby increasing the risk of manipulation.
Emphasising ethical, informed and responsible use of the internet and Artificial Intelligence, she underlined the importance of parental monitoring, guided usage for educational purposes and continuous awareness. Drawing attention to the misuse of AI by cyber criminals through phishing, malware, fake audio and video calls and OTP fraud, she remarked that cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated with technological advancement.
“Better to be safe than sorry,” she said, urging students and participants to adopt secure digital practices and act as digital ambassadors by spreading awareness about cyber safety within their families and communities. The workshop was conducted in hybrid mode, connecting participants from 52 schools across the district through smart classrooms virtually linked to the main venue.
This digital integration enabled the participation of nearly 1,500 students and staff members simultaneously The session was conducted by Asheesh Kumar Dogra, District Informatics Officer, Reasi, who served as the Resource Person. He highlighted the vast opportunities as well as the challenges of the present IT era.
The workshop covered key aspects including cyber hygiene; identification of cyber threats such as phishing, malware, identity theft and digital arrest scams; best practices for data protection and secure online transactions; responsible use of the internet and social media; safeguarding digital identities; and Government initiatives related to cybersecurity and digital privacy.
Emphasis was laid on preventive measures for the safe and responsible use of the internet and Artificial Intelligence. Educators and parents were urged to sensitise students about the importance of strong passwords and privacy settings, avoiding excessive sharing of personal information, promoting positive online behaviour, discouraging cyberbullying and strengthening students’ ability to fact-check information and identify fake news for secure digital engagement.
Speaking on the occasion, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Reasi Rakesh Kumar highlighted the growing incidence of online financial scams and identity theft, sharing relevant case studies to sensitise participants. He stressed that with the increasing shift towards paperless governance and digital transformation, initiatives like Safer Internet Day play a crucial role in building a cyber-aware and digitally resilient ecosystem. The event concluded with participants taking the “Safe and Responsible Use of AI” pledge and participation in national-level quizzes as part of the campaign.