With the digital landscape evolving rapidly through the rise of artificial intelligence, the Odisha Unit of the National Informatics Centre (NIC) spearheaded a massive awareness campaign to mark Safer Internet Day 2026. Observed annually on the second Tuesday of February, this global initiative serves as a call to action for a more secure and responsible digital environment. This year’s theme, Smart Tech, Safe Choices: Exploring the Safe and Responsible Use of AI, specifically targeted the empowerment of digital nagriks in navigating the complexities of modern technology.

The NIC Odisha Unit, operating under the Ministry of Electronics and IT, organized a total of 37 workshops and seminars across the state. These events successfully reached approximately 5000 participants, ranging from students to community leaders. A central highlight of these gatherings was a collective pledge taken by participants to prioritize safety and ethics while utilizing AI tools.

In the capital city, significant workshops were hosted at the Srusti Academy of Management and Technology and Krupajal Engineering College. Experts at these sessions led deep-dive discussions on a variety of pressing digital dangers. The curriculum covered not only the safe application of Artificial Intelligence but also critical warnings regarding online financial frauds, ransomware attacks, and the growing menace of cyber terrorism.
Special emphasis was placed on protecting vulnerable populations, with detailed segments on combating child pornography, online sexual abuse, and identity theft. Students were also briefed on relatively new phenomena such as digital arrests, where scammers impersonate law enforcement to extort citizens. By sensitizing the youth to these threats, the organizers aimed to build a more resilient and inclusive cyber world.

The extensive state-wide programme was coordinated by Shri Jayant Kumar Mishra, Senior Director(IT), Smt. Sujata Das, Senior Director(IT), and Shri Niladri Bihari Mohanty, Joint Director(IT), with active support from District Informatics Officers, who conducted Safer Internet Day events in their respective districts to ensure wide outreach across Odisha.

The initiative was carried out under the guidance of Dr. Ashok Kumar Hota, Deputy Director General and State Informatics Officer, who appreciated the enthusiastic participation and emphasized that such educational efforts are essential for fostering a positive, secure, and responsible digital environment for all.