A series of cyber awareness sessions were organised across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to mark Safer Internet Day 2026, focusing on digital safety, cyber hygiene and responsible use of artificial intelligence. The initiative was conducted by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), Sri Vijaya Puram, in collaboration with C-DAC under the Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA) Project.
The programmes were held under the global theme “Smart Tech, Safe Choices – Exploring the Safe and Responsible Use of AI.” The sessions aimed to familiarise citizens with safe internet practices, protection from digital threats and emerging concerns linked to artificial intelligence usage.
Awareness events took place at Tagore Government College of Education (TGCE), Mahatma Gandhi Government College (MGGC), Mayabunder, and the Deputy Commissioner’s Office Conference Hall in Car Nicobar. The outreach targeted students, officials and members of the public to promote safer digital engagement.
At TGCE, participation included students from TGCE and Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya (JNRM), IT cadre officials and the NIC team. Principal Manju Lata Rao and State Informatics Officer Gautam Gupta from the NIC Andaman and Nicobar UT Centre attended as guests of honour.
During the session, Gautam Gupta delivered a detailed presentation addressing safer internet access, cybersecurity practices, prevention of online fraud, responsible internet behaviour and measures to strengthen digital safety. The presentation highlighted risks associated with online activity while stressing preventive awareness.
Separately, NIC officials from the North and Middle Andaman district unit organised an awareness session at Mahatma Gandhi Government College, Mayabunder. Additional District Magistrate Krishna Chaitanya attended the programme as chief guest. The session formed part of district-level outreach efforts aligned with the Safer Internet Day observance.
Another awareness workshop was conducted at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office Conference Hall in Car Nicobar, Nicobar district. The programme saw participation from students, teachers, heads of departments, shopkeepers and members of the general public. Deputy Vice Chief Tribal Council John Levi attended as chief guest.
The awareness campaigns across multiple locations focused on strengthening public understanding of cybersecurity, digital responsibility and safe adoption of artificial intelligence technologies. The sessions also emphasised cyber hygiene practices and preventive measures against online fraud and digital vulnerabilities.
The observance of Safer Internet Day 2026 through coordinated programmes in educational institutions and administrative venues reflected an effort to broaden digital literacy and promote responsible technology use across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
