Shravasti Empowers Cyber Safety with 'Digital Defenders' Initiative

Shravasti: Digital arrest is revolutionising India’s approach to cybercrime, enabling swift actions against online offenses and strengthening digital safety nationwide.

In a landmark initiative, Digital Defenders: Empowering Police for Cyber Safety was held in Shravasti, where police engaged with the public on digital arrest for the first time. Organised by the Uttar Pradesh Government, UP Police, Future Shift Labs, and Netratvshaala, the two-day program reflects PM Modi’s Digital India vision. This effort addresses the growing menace of cybercrime, fostering collaboration to build a secure digital infrastructure and empowering communities to safeguard India’s digital future.

At the heart of this initiative is the Digital Arrest program, spearheaded by the Shravasti Police under the leadership of SP, IPS Ghanshyam Chaurasia, and District Magistrate, IAS Ajay Dwivedi. In response to the alarming surge in cybercrimes, Digital Arrest is equipping officers with cutting-edge tools and knowledge to outpace cybercriminals. This initiative underscores Shravasti’s forward-thinking approach to cybersecurity, empowering its police force to safeguard citizens in an increasingly digital world. By blending innovation with action, Digital Arrest is redefining how law enforcement tackles cyber threats. Focused on building resilience and fostering confidence in digital safety, this program marks a significant step in protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring a secure future for all.

The first day of the program focused on foundational training, where participants explored critical topics such as social engineering, phishing, and financial fraud prevention.

The second day, Cyber Ops: Training for Cybersecurity Warriors, focused on AI’s role in cybersecurity through expert-led sessions, including case studies and simulations. Speaking at the event, SP Ghanshyam Chaurasia said, “Shravasti district has recorded Rs 3.29 crore in cyber fraud cases to date, with swift action by the Shravasti and cyber police successfully freezing Rs 2.75 crore, safeguarding victims from significant financial losses. This proactive effort showcases their exemplary commitment to combating cybercrime.”

The initiative is a joint collaboration between, Future Shift Labs, Netratvshaala, and UP police, combining expertise and innovation to strengthen cybersecurity capabilities. This partnership aims to empower law enforcement with the tools and knowledge needed to tackle emerging digital threats effectively.

Reflecting on the program, Pranav Dwivedi, Founder, of Netratvshaala, who delivered a session, stated, “This initiative bridges the gap between innovation and public safety, enabling officers to become true defenders of the digital realm.”The Digital Defenders program underscores the collaborative efforts of public and private stakeholders in creating a secure digital future, setting a benchmark for cybersecurity training in India.

Future Shift Labs, a global think tank specializing in emerging technologies, has played a pivotal role in this initiative. Known for its work at the intersection of AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity, it aims to ensure that emerging technologies are leveraged responsibly for the public good.