Happy Safer Internet Day! Haven’t heard it before? Well, you’re not alone—and this is not a joke, despite the fact that it’s another member of the numerous unheard-of celebrations around the world. This time, however, tech industry players are taking part and making sure you join the movement.
The Safer Internet Day (SID) is an annual global initiative originally founded in 2004 in Europe. Since then, it has expanded outside its geographical zone and is celebrated worldwide by more than 100 countries, with 70 global SID committees working with the core group.
This year’s theme is “Be the change: Unite for a better internet.” In the Philippines, multinational tech giant Microsoft and telecommunications provider Globe pledge support respectively by launching programs to help address the rising risks in the cyberspace.
Embrace “digital civility” with Microsoft
Microsoft has gained worldwide reputation for its data gathering and analysis chops, which are exactly what the company brings to the table. Using their new Digital Civility Index (DCI), the tech leader measured the “extent of negative civil and personal safety interactions and their consequences,” across 14 countries. The United Kingdom leads the roster of respondents as the most digitally civil at 45%. The worldwide score is 65%.
In response to this finding, Microsoft urges everyone to “treat each other with respect and dignity online.” The company also set four ideals to follow to meet the aim: (a) to live by the Golden Rule, (b) to respect differences, (c) to pause and think before replying, and (d) to stand up for oneself and for others.
Celebrate with Globe’s #CyberPinoy
While Globe, as part of the industry, rejoices at the 500% growth of Internet access in the country—the fastest in the Southeast Asian region—it also recognizes the subsequent spike in online threats. To help solve this problem, Globe is promoting cyber wellness through its Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP).
As part of Globe’s #CyberPinoy campaign, the DTP educates both children and adults on how to be safe from cyber-attacks and how to become positive digital citizens. The DTP has had its pilot run with 1,266 students and 36 teachers participating in the program.
“We are proud of the achievements of our Digital Thumbprint Framework. So far, we have already reached 292,000 students — 98% learned from the program and 95% of students planned to take action following our program,” prided Singtel Group Sustainability VP Andrew Buay. Globe is currently under the Singtel Group.
“Cyber safety is everyone’s responsibility so we’re also encouraging our customers to protect themselves and their children online,” he added.
Globe also noted that to further curb cyber-attacks and other threats, user should never give too much of their identities online, and ensure that their passwords are hack free—there are websites like this one that offer checking if it’s easy to break through your password.
The Safer Internet Day is celebrated throughout the day today, February 7.
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