Post Session Report on Universal Acceptance and Multilingual Internet at BIT University under CyberPeace Center of Excellence (CCoE)

Today, let us talk about one of the key features of our digital lives – security. The safer their online habits are, the safer their data and devices will be. A branded security will make their devices and Internet connections secure, but their carelessness or ignorance can make them targets for cybercrimes. On the other hand, they can themselves unwittingly get involved in dubious activities online. With children being very smart about passwords and browsing history clearing, parents are often left in the dark about their digital lives.

Fret not, parental controls are there at your service. These are digital tools often included with your OS or security software package, which helps you to remotely monitor and control your child’s online activities.

Where Can I find them?

Many devices come with pre-installed PC tools that you have to set up and run. Go to Settings-> Parental controls or Screentime and proceed from there. As I mentioned, they are also offered as a part of your comprehensive security software package.

Why and How to Use Parental Controls

Parental controls help monitor and limit your children's smartphone usage, ensuring they access only age-appropriate content. If your child is a minor, use of this tool is recommended, with the full knowledge of your child/ren. Let them know that just as you supervise them in public places for their safety, and guide them on rights and wrongs, you will use the tool to monitor and mentor them online, for their safety. Emphasize that you love them and trust them but are concerned about the various dubious and fake characters online as well as unsafe websites and only intend to supervise them. As they grow older and display greater responsibility and maturity levels, you may slowly reduce the levels of monitoring. This will help build a relationship of mutual trust and respect.

Step 1: Enable Parental Controls

• iOS: If your child has an iPhone, to set up the controls, go to Settings, select Screen Time, then select Content & Privacy Restrictions.
• Android: If the child has an Android phone, you can use the Google Family Link to manage apps, set screen time limits, and track device usage.
• Third-party apps: Consider security tools like McAfee, Kaspersky, Bark, Qustodio, or Norton Family for advanced features.

Check out what some of the security software apps have on offer:

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If you prefer Norton, here are the details:

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McAfee Parental Controls suite offers the following features:

McAfee also outlines why Parental Controls matter:

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Lastly, let us take a look at what Quick Heal has on offer:

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STEP 2: Set up Admin Login

Needless to say, a parent should be the admin login, and it is a wise idea to set up a strong and unique password. You do not want your kids to outsmart you and change their accessibility settings, do you? Remember to create a password you will remember, for children are clever and will soon discover where you have jotted it down. 

STEP 3: Create Individual accounts for all users of the device

Let us say two minor kids, a grandparent and you, will be using the device. You will have to create separate accounts for each user. You can allow the children to choose their own passwords, it will give them a sense of privacy. The children or you may (or may not) need to help any Seniors set up their accounts.

Done? Good. Now let us proceed to the next step.

STEP 4: Set up access permissions by age

Let us first get grandparents and other seniors out of the way by giving them full access. when you enter their ages; your device will identify them as adults and guide you accordingly. 

Now for each child, follow the instructions to set up filters and blocks. This will again vary with age – more filters for the younger ones, while you can remove controls gradually as they grow older, and hence more mature and responsible. Set up screen Time (daily and weekends), game filtering and playtime, content filtering and blocking by words (e.g. block websites that contain violence/sex/abuse). Ask for activity reports on your device so that you can monitor them remotely This will help you to receive alerts if children connect with strangers or get involved in abusive actions.

Save the data and it has done! Simple, wasn’t it?

Additional Security

For further security, you may want to set up parental controls on the Home Wi-Fi Router, Gaming devices, and online streaming services you subscribe to.

Follow the same steps. Select settings, Admin sign-in, and find out what controls or screen time protection they offer. Choose the ones you wish to activate, especially for the time when adults are not at home.

Conclusion

Congratulations. You have successfully secured your child’s digital space and sanitized it. Discuss unsafe practices as a family, and make any digital rule breaches and irresponsible actions, or concerns, learning points for them. Let their takeaway be that parents will monitor and mentor them, but they too have to take ownership of their actions.

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Introduction 

In the digital era, where technology is growing rapidly,  the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been making its way to different corners of the world. Where nothing seems to be impossible, technology and innovation have been moving conjointly and once again, and such innovation is in the limelight with its groundbreaking initiative known as “Project Groot”, which has been announced by the AI chip leader “Nvidia”. The core of this project is the fusion of technology with AI and robotics, where a humanoid can be produced with the capability to understand the natural language and interact with it to further learn from the physical environment by observing human actions and skills. Project Groot aims to assist humans in diverse sectors such as Healthcare and so on. 

Humanoid robots are based on NVIDIA’s thor system-on-chip (SoC). The thor powers the intelligence of these robots, and the chip has been designed to handle complex tasks and ensure a safe and natural interaction between humans and robots. However, a big question arises about the ethical considerations of privacy, autonomy and the possible replacement of human workers. 

Brief Analysis 

Nvidia has announced Project GR00T, or Generalist Robot 00 Technology, which aims to create AI-powered humanoid robots with human-like understanding and movement. The project is part of Nvidia's efforts to drive breakthroughs in robotics and embodied AI, which can interact with and learn from a physical environment. The robots built on this platform are designed to understand natural language and emulate movements by observing human actions, such as coordination, dexterity, and other skills.

The model has been trained on NVIDIA GPU-accelerated simulation, enabling the robots to learn from human demonstrations with imitation learning and from the robotics platform NVIDIA Isaac Lab for reinforcement learning. This multimodal AI system acts as the mind for humanoid robots, allowing them to learn new skills and interact with the real world. Leading names in robotics, such as Figure, Boston Dynamics, Apptronik, Agility Robotics, Sanctuary AI, and Unitree, are reported to have collaborated with Nvidia to leverage GR00T.

Nvidia has also updated Isaac with Isaac Manipulator and Isaac Perceptor, which add multi-camera 3D vision. The company also unveiled a new computer, Jetson Thor, to aid humanoid robots based on NVIDIA's SoC, which is designed to handle complex tasks and ensure a safe and natural interaction between humans and robots.

Despite the potential job loss associated with humanoid robots potentially handling hazardous and repetitive tasks, many argue that they can aid humans and make their lives more comfortable rather than replacing them.

Policy Recommendations 

The Nvidia project highlights a significant development in AI Robotics, presenting a brimming potential and ethical challenges critical for the overall development and smooth assimilation of AI-driven tech in society. To ensure its smooth assimilation, a comprehensive policy framework must be put in place. This includes:

• Human First Policy - Emphasis should be on better augmentation rather than replacement. The authorities must focus on better research and development (R&D) of applications that aid in modifying human capabilities, enhancing working conditions, and playing a role in societal growth. 
• Proper Ethical Guidelines - Guidelines stressing human safety, autonomy and privacy should be established. These norms must include consent for data collection, fair use of AI in decision making and proper protocols for data security. 
• Deployment of Inclusive Technology - Access to AI Driven Robotics tech should be made available to diverse sectors of society. It is imperative to address potential algorithm bias and design flaws to avoid discrimination and promote inclusivity.
• Proper Regulatory Frameworks - It is crucial to establish regulatory frameworks to govern the smooth deployment and operation of AI-driven tech. The framework must include certification for safety and standards, frequent audits and liability protocols to address accidents. 
• Training Initiatives - Educational programs should be introduced to train the workforce for integrating AI driven robotics and their proper handling. Upskilling of the workforce should be the top priority of corporations to ensure effective integration of AI Robotics. 
• Collaborative Research Initiatives - AI and emerging technologies have a profound impact on the trajectory of human development. It is imperative to foster collaboration among governments, industry and academia to drive innovation in AI robotics responsibly and undertake collaborative initiatives to mitigate and address technical, societal, legal and ethical issues posed by AI Robots. 

Conclusion 

On the whole, Project GROOT is a significant quantum leap in the advancement of robotic technology and indeed paves the way for a future where robots can integrate seamlessly into various aspects of human lives. 

References

• https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/what-is-nvidias-project-gr00t-impact-robotics-9225089/
• https://medium.com/paper-explanation/understanding-nvidias-project-groot-762d4246b76d
• https://www.techradar.com/pro/nvidias-project-groot-brings-the-human-robot-future-a-significant-step-closer
• https://www.barrons.com/livecoverage/nvidia-gtc-ai-conference/card/nvidia-announces-ai-model-for-humanoid-robot-development-BwT9fewMyD6XbuBrEDSp

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India’s Rapid Digital Expansion

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Over the past decade, India has experienced a rapid digitalisation process. The rise of digital financial services,  affordable internet costs, and the penetration of smartphones have transformed the way people communicate, transact and do business online.

Online payment systems, including Unified Payments Interface (UPI), have enabled real-time transactions between banks and financial systems. As much as these systems have enhanced access to finance and efficiency, they have also created new opportunities for cybercriminals.

Cybercrime has evolved alongside the shift of financial and social interactions to digital platforms. The fraud attacks on online payments, online banking, and personal information have become common and increasingly costly.

To analyse the scale and trend of cybercrime in India, this analysis will use the datasets released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) and financial fraud data released by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
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The Rise of Cybercrime in India
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The Rise of Cybercrime in India
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Source: National Crime Records Bureau – Crime in India Reports

The data released by the NCRB documents cybercrime incidents registered by the police at the national level under the Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act) and criminal provisions covering offences such as cheating, impersonation, and digital fraud. In the past, the offences were listed in the provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Following criminal law reforms in India, on 1 July 2024, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which replaced the IPC, came into force. Section 419 (cheating by impersonation), IPC, would be related to BNS Section 319 and Section 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property), which would be related to BNS Section 318(4). Similarly, crimes involving forgery and use of forged documents or electronic documents, which were previously contained in the IPC Sections 465-471, are dealt with in BNS Sections 335-340.

The data published by the NCRB represent the number of crimes that reached the point of the First Information Report (FIR) registration, meaning they reflect only cybercrime cases that were formally presented to the law enforcement system to investigate, rather than all complaints reported. The data shows that cybercrime cases increased from 27,248 in 2018 to 86,420 in 2023, a 3.17-fold increase in 5 years.

Two structural shifts are visible: the post-pandemic jump and subsequent acceleration.

However, these figures likely underestimate the true scale of cybercrime because many incidents are reported only through online complaint portals and may not result in FIR registration.
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The Financial Scale of Digital Fraud

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The Financial Scale of Digital Fraud

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Source: Ministry of Home Affairs via,  Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), and National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP)

This dataset tracks financial fraud complaints reported through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) and the estimated financial losses associated with those complaints.

The financial losses reported between 2021 and 2024 increased by 41 times over four years, compared to 2021, from 551 crore to 22,848 crore. At the same time, the number of complaints rose from 262,846 to over 1.9 million, an increase of ~623%, indicating both rising victimisation and greater public awareness of reporting mechanisms.

The contrast between these two trends is striking:
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While complaints increased by around 7 times, financial losses increased by over 40 times. 

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Distribution of Cyber-Fraud Complaints and Financial Losses by Fraud Type
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Source: Ministry of Home Affairs via Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre and National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal; analysis based on reporting in Business Standard using government cyber-fraud data.
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This divergence implies an uneven relationship between the number of incidents and the financial damage that they inflict. Most cyber fraud incidents involve relatively small transaction values; however, a smaller group of fraud categories result in disproportionate numbers of financial losses.
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Distribution of Financial Losses Across Major Cyber-Fraud Categories in India

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Source: Ministry of Home Affairs via,  Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), and National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) figures reported by The Indian Express
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As reported by The Indian Express, based on the data compiled by the I4C, investment-related scams alone account for roughly 77% of reported cyber-fraud losses, followed by smaller shares from “digital arrest” scams (8%), credit card fraud (7%), sextortion (4%), e-commerce fraud (3%), and malware or app-based fraud (1%). This distribution means that even though scams with lower values, like phishing, OTP fraud, and small payment fraud, produce a high proportion of complaints, few categories of fraud produce most of the financial losses.

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Analysis

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1. Cybercrime is expanding faster than most traditional crimes: The fact that cybercrime cases have tripled in five years shows that cyber offences are presently becoming a significant element of Indian crime. Unlike conventional crimes that require physical proximity, cybercrime can be conducted remotely and at scale, enabling perpetrators to target large numbers of victims simultaneously.

2. Financial losses are concentrated in a small set of fraud categories: As cases of cybercrimes have been on the increase, the monetary losses of digital fraud cases have been increasing at a higher rate. The fact that the number of reported financial losses has increased 40 times in 4 years indicates that cybercrime has a very high economic impact.

3. Complaint volumes and financial damage follow different patterns: When comparing complaints and financial losses, it is evident that cyber fraud losses are unevenly distributed across types of incidents. Most of the prevalent scams reported, including phishing or OTP fraud, involve relatively small transaction values but yield a high portion of complaints. Conversely, fewer categories of fraud, especially investment-based schemes, contribute a significantly higher percentage of total financial losses.

4. Digital financial infrastructure has expanded the attack surface: India’s rapid adoption of digital payment systems, mobile banking and digital  financial systems has dramatically increased the number of potential victims of cybercriminals. The scale of online transactions creates new vulnerabilities that organised cybercrime networks take advantage of.

5. Reporting improvements reveal previously hidden crime: The expansion of national reporting systems has enhanced the transparency in the trends of cybercrime. The increase in the number of complaints recorded is partially due to improved reporting systems and not necessarily to the increased criminal activity, meaning that previous data might have understated the magnitude of cyber fraud.

Recommendations
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1. Move from reactive policing to proactive cyber-risk monitoring: The conventional models of policing focus on investigation of crimes that have already taken place. With such a magnitude and pace of cyber fraud, India should have systems that are designed to detect and prevent the fraud at its early stages, such as real-time observation of suspicious patterns in transactions by financial institutions.

2. Strengthen financial intelligence sharing across institutions: There are a lot of instances of cyber fraud that use more than one bank, payment system, and telecommunication provider. To detect new networks of fraud sooner, it can be suggested to establish more information-sharing measures between the financial institution and law enforcement agencies.

3. Target organised cyber fraud networks rather than individual incidents: Many digital scams operate through organised networks that coordinate phishing, mule accounts, and fake payment channels. The solution in regard to this involves dismantling these networks through investigative procedures instead of treating incidents on a case-by-case basis.

4. Improve recovery mechanisms for stolen funds: The recovery of the funds lost is one of the most difficult issues in cases of cyber fraud. Expanding systems such as the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS) can improve the speed at which fraudulent transactions are frozen or reversed.

5. Strengthen digital financial literacy: A significant percentage of cyber frauds are based on social engineering methods that take advantage of user behaviour as opposed to technical weaknesses. Victimisation can be greatly reduced through specific public awareness efforts on typical scam schemes.

Conclusion
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India’s experience illustrates a broader global trend: as economies digitise, crime increasingly follows the flow of digital money. While cybercrime incidents are rising steadily, the much faster growth in financial losses suggests that cybercriminals are becoming more organised, technologically sophisticated, and economically motivated.

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References:
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• https://indianexpress.com/article/india/indians-lost-rs-53000-crore-fraud-cheating-cases-six-years-maharashtra-2025-10452185/ 
• https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2226441&reg=3&lang=2 -
• https://www.ncrb.gov.in/crime-in-india.html 
• https://i4c.mha.gov.in/index.aspx 
• https://i4c.mha.gov.in/index.aspx 

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