Karnataka government is looking at partnering with Meta, according to state IT minister Priyank Kharge

 Karnataka government is looking at partnering with Meta, according to state IT minister Priyank Kharge

In Karnataka, Meta is hosting the Digital Suraksha Summit and reaffirming its commitment to user safety and youth welfare.

According to state IT-BT minister Priyank Kharge, the Karnataka government is looking into partnering with Meta, which runs a number of social media sites, including Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp.

"We are exploring working together with Meta concerning digital/cyber safety, particularly for women and children," Kharge said, addressing reporters at the Meta-organized Digital Suraksha Summit in Bengaluru. India's quick adoption of digital technology has raised the need for easily available tools and services to guarantee consumers' safety online. The administration is dedicated to working together with different experts and stakeholders to establish an inclusive digital environment."

According to Kharge, there have been over 60 recorded deaths in India as a result of illicit applications, many of which go unreported. Additionally, we are attempting to stop young people from becoming victims of unauthorized loan applications. More than eight to ten illicit lending applications that were active in Bengaluru have already been shut down by us," he said.

Kharge also mentioned the difficulty the government has due to the widespread use of illicit betting applications, often in vernacular languages, in tier II cities and rural regions.

He emphasized that many internet offenses, abuses, and scams have moved from the offline to the online sphere, and that social media has become a haven for misinformation and disinformation.

"In 2022, Karnataka lost almost Rs 363 crore to cyber frauds as well as a 150 percent increase is expected in the upcoming year," he said.

In order to address these issues, he underlined the necessity of proactive collaboration between the government along with social media platforms like Meta, particularly given that young people—even those in their 16s and 18s—as well as working professionals—are becoming victims of loan apps and participating in online gambling and fantasy sports. Kharge pushed children to see the distinction between games of chance and games of skill.

Kharge also related a terrible story that happened in his village of Chittapur, Kalaburagi district, when a young person lost Rs 80 lakh as a result of betting and fantasy sports.

When talking about the difficulties that come with technology and governmental regulations, Kharge acknowledged that laws must advance along with technology.

Rather of trying to shut down companies and innovation, he argued for flexible rules.

According to Kharge, a preferential public procurement strategy is being developed to help firms and startups so they may take advantage of government support when required.

Meta initiates the digital summit of Suraksha.

On November 4, Meta held a virtual Suraksha Summit in Bengaluru with the goal of establishing a more secure and welcoming internet for all.

The conference showcased programs designed to fight disinformation, ensure child safety, improve juvenile well-being, advance digital education and literacy, and teach users of the safety features and services available on Meta platforms.

Vice president of Meta in India, Sandhya Devanathan, emphasized Meta's dedication to putting in place the necessary rules, tools, and safety measures to guarantee a secure and enjoyable online experience.

"Matrix has improved online safety with the introduction of over thirty safety measures and features in the last three years. Teens are heavily represented online, therefore Meta has created a number of programs and tools to support youth wellbeing. One such program is 'Quiet Mode' on Instagram, which allows users to limit how much time they spend on apps and what material they see. Kannada and ten additional Indian languages are accessible for these resources," said Devanathan.