In an effort to strengthen cyber safety awareness and digital literacy, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Gurugram has launched a dedicated help desk aimed at assisting people with issues related to online security, cybercrime prevention and safe digital practices. The move is part of a larger community outreach under the campaign titled “Managing the Digital World – Think Before You Share.”
This initiative comes as cyber threats — from fraud and scams to misinformation and data misuse — continue to affect many citizens nationwide, and reflects an increasing emphasis on equipping people with practical, everyday guidance on navigating India’s digital ecosystem responsibly.
What the Cyber Safety Desk Will Do
The new help desk has been established as a one-stop resource to provide legal guidance and awareness on cyber safety issues, including:
- Understanding measures to protect against cyber fraud and online scams
- Recognising and countering fake news and misinformation
- Learning responsible usage of social media platforms
- Safeguarding personal data privacy
- Accessing free legal aid and counselling services for cybercrime victims
Citizens visiting the desk will also be informed about how to verify information before sharing it digitally, how to report cybercrime complaints through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, and how to approach authorities if they encounter fraudulent or harmful digital activity.
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Focus on Vulnerable Sections of Society
Officials have said the help desk will especially focus on groups that are often most affected by digital threats — including children, youth, parents, senior citizens and other vulnerable sections of the community. The goal is to foster a mindset of mindful online behaviour and digital well-being, encouraging people to think critically before sharing content or responding to suspicious online requests.
As part of the awareness message, Rakesh Kadian, CJM-cum-Secretary of the DLSA, urged residents to “pause, verify, report and be responsible in the digital world.”
This aligns with broader efforts in India to educate citizens about cyber risks and connect them with official channels where they can seek help, such as the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and the 1930 national cybercrime helpline.
Why This Matters Now
As digital penetration expands rapidly across India, so too do cyber-related threats — from phishing and smishing scams to more sophisticated frauds that exploit trust and technological gaps. According to recent reports, Indian internet users often face dozens of scam messages or fraudulent contacts daily, leading many to spend significant time trying to verify authenticity. (This trend shows how pervasive and convincing such threats have become.)
Initiatives like the DLSA’s cyber safety help desk aim to empower citizens with practical legal knowledge and awareness that can reduce vulnerability to cybercrime and improve reporting and response when fraud does occur. In doing so, authorities hope to complement law-enforcement and regulatory efforts with community-level education and support.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
