Screenagers face troubling addictions from an early age (2025-12-12T11:27:00+05:30)

Early exposure can lead to addiction. Brit., CC BY-NC-ND Joseph Attard, King's College London and Mark Griffiths, Nottingham Trent University In 1997, Douglas Rushkoff boldly predicted the emergence a new caste of tech-literate adolescents. He argued that the children of his day would soon blossom into “screenagers”, endowed with effortless advantages over their parents, having been raised from birth on a diet of computers and micro-chipped devices. Fast-forward to 2014: the screenagers have come of age in a world ruled by Twitter and Candy Crush Saga. A substantial body of evidence addresses the ways in which media saturation shapes the identities of children and adolescents. While there are clear benefits to maturing as a digital native, a number of experts are concerned about the physical and psychological health of our screenagers. The perils of media-immersion There are advantages of tech-literacy from an early age such as gaining IT skills that will serve you well in the future but there are risks too. Aside from the dangers of social isolation and physical inactivity, there are also dangers that come not directly from any IT medium itself, but what happens when children are exposed to them. The ability to access pornography or gamble online throws up all kinds of issues when children are involved. Particularly insidious are “foot-in-the-door” products which, combined with big data marketing techniques, specifically target adolescents and stimulate pathological behaviour. For example, a number of free Facebook games, including Zynga Poker and Slotomania, normalise gambling and divorce the thrill of playing from the consequences of losing. The player gets to experience the highs of winning but because there is no money involved, they don’t suffer any real life consequences when they lose. This poses a major risk and could lead to problem gambling in adolescence. Other freemium app and internet games also carry a risk factor for pathological behaviour. So-called “casual games” such as Flappy Bird, Bejeweled and Candy Crush Saga use behavioural conditioning techniques to keep players invested for long stretches, which may inhibit the social development of youngsters. And even if we don’t buy into the moral panic so often spread by the media, there is evidence to suggest that sustained access to pornography can have detrimental effects on young people. Mental health website Psych Central reports that not only is pornography easy to stumble across online (with search terms like “toy” often throwing up adult images) repeated exposure can be over-stimulating and potentially addictive for young people. According to the site, “Cybersex addiction functions in a similar way to any other addiction, leading to a cycle of preoccupation, compulsion, acting out, isolation, self-absorption, shame and depression as well as distorted views of real relationships and intimacy.” Most susceptible to compulsive porn viewing are teens with limited parental support, which also correlates with unsupervised web access. New addictions While the addictiveness of certain activities is reasonably well established, the more general concept of “media addiction” in young people is harder to pin down. For a start, it isn’t easy to define addiction as it applies to any activity, even traditional problems such as gambling. So when it comes to new technologies and services, the picture becomes more confused. It is tempting to discuss “media addiction” as a catch-all term for spending too much time online but there are so many opportunities for digital natives to engage in harmful activities that we ought to think in more detail about the problems that can arise for them. While we might group people together as “Facebook addicts”, for example, there may well be a big difference between someone who spends an unhealthy amount of time growing virtual tomatoes on Farmville and another who might be pathologically engrossed in instant messaging. Starting young These phenomena are disconcerting enough on their own but we also need to address the fact that for today’s youngsters, the process of media immersion often begins in very early childhood. Last year, campaign group Common Sense Media and electronics company VTech carried out a survey of 1,463 parents with children aged under eight in the US and found 75% had access to smart devices. This was up from 52% in 2011. This suggests that by the time they hit their teens, there is a high probability that young children will be active participants in global information networks. Whereas children of the 1990s were raised on a diet of discontinuous digital media (MTV and 16-bit gaming), the next wave of screenagers will hold multiple social media accounts, exposing them to all the hazards this level of connectivity implies. From underage users viewing gambling as a source of wealth to adolescents whose formative sexuality is filtered through internet porn, the influence of media-immersion on developing minds is disquieting. One can only imagine the mental state of young people when a universe of information, temptations and perils can be carried around in their pocket. While it’s obvious that internet-use carries huge advantages for young people, they also need to be educated about the dangers before addictions develop. Joseph Attard, Film Studies PhD Researcher, King's College London and Mark Griffiths, Director of the International Gaming Research Unit and Professor of Gambling Studies, Nottingham Trent University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Australia’s social media ban is now in force. Other countries are closely watching what happens (2025-12-11T10:50:00+05:30)

Sanket Mishra/Unsplash Lisa M. Given, RMIT University After months of anticipation and debate, Australia’s social media ban is now in force. Young Australians under 16 must now come to grips with the new reality of being unable to have an account on some social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. Only time will tell whether this bold, world-first experiment will succeed. Despite this, many countries are already considering following Australia’s lead. But there are other jurisdictions that are taking a different approach to try and keep young people safe online. Here’s what’s happening overseas. A global movement In November, the European parliament called for a similar social media ban for under 16s. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said she has been studying Australia’s restrictions and how they address what she described as “algorithms that prey on children’s vulnerabilities”, leaving parents feeling powerless against “the tsunami of big tech flooding their homes”. In October, New Zealand announced it would introduce similar legislation to Australia’s, following the work of a parliamentary committee to examine how best to address harm on social media platforms. The committee’s report will be released in early 2026. Pakistan and India are aiming to reduce children’s exposure to harmful content by introducing rules requiring parental consent and age verification for platform access, alongside content moderation expectations for tech companies. Malaysia has announced it will ban children under 16 from social media starting in 2026. This follows the country requiring social media and messaging platforms with eight million or more users to obtain licenses to operate, and use age verification and content-safety measures from January 2025. France is also considering a social media ban for children under 15 and a 10pm to 8am curfew for platform use for 15- to 18-year-olds. These are among 43 recommendations made by a French inquiry in September 2025, which also recommended banning smartphones in schools, and implementing a crime of “digital negligence for parents who fail to protect their children”. While France introduced a requirement in 2023 that platforms obtain parental consent for children under 15 to create social media accounts, it has yet to be enforced. This is also the case in Germany. There, children aged between 13 and 16 can only access platforms with parental consent, but without formal checks in place. And, in Spain, the minimum age for social media accounts will rise from 14 to 16, unless parents provide consent. Norway announced plans in July to restrict access to social media for under 15s. The government explained the law would be “designed in accordance with children’s fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, access to information, and the right to association”. In November, Denmark announced it would “ban access to social media for anyone under 15”. However, unlike Australia’s legislation, parents can override the rules to enable 13- and 14-year-olds to retain platform access. Yet there is no date for implementation, with lawmakers expected to take months to pass the legislation. It’s also unclear how Denmark’s ban will be enforced. But the country does have a national digital ID program that may be used. In July, Denmark was named as part of a pilot program (with Greece, France, Spain, and Italy) to trial an age verification app that could be launched across the European Union for use by adult content sites and other digital providers. Some pushback The implementation of similar restrictions is not being taken up everywhere. For example, South Korea has decided against a social media ban for children. But it will ban the use of mobile phones and other devices in classrooms starting in March 2026. In the city of Toyoake (south-west of Tokyo, Japan), a very different solution has been proposed. The city’s mayor, Masafumi Koki, issued an ordinance in October, limiting the use of smartphones, tablets, and computers to two hours per day for people of all ages. Koki is aware of Australia’s social media restrictions. But as he explained: If adults are not held to the same standards, children will not accept the rules. While the ordinance has faced backlash, and is non-binding, it prompted 40% of residents to reflect on their behaviour, with 10% reducing their time on smartphones. In the United States, the opposition to Australia’s social media restrictions has been extremely vocal and significant. American media and technology companies have urged President Donald Trump to “reprimand” Australia over its legislation. They argue American companies are being unfairly targeted and have lodged formal complaints with the Office of US Trade. President Trump has stated he would stand up to any countries that “attacked” American technology companies. The US recently called eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman-Grant to testify in front of Congress. US Republican Jim Jordan claimed her enforcement of Australia’s Online Safety Act “imposes obligations on American companies and threatens speech of American citizens”, which Inman-Grant strongly denied. The world will keep watching While much of the world seems united in concern about the harmful content and algorithmic features children experience on social media, only one thing is clear – there is no silver bullet for addressing these harms. There is no agreed set of restrictions, or specific age at which legislators agree children should have unrestricted access to these platforms. Many countries outside Australia are empowering parents to provide access, if they believe it is right for their children. And many countries are considering how best to enforce restrictions, if they implement similar rules. As experts point to the technical challenges in enforcing Australia’s restrictions, and as young Australians consider workarounds to maintain their accounts or find new platforms to use, other countries will continue to watch and plan their next moves. Lisa M. Given, Professor of Information Sciences & Director, Social Change Enabling Impact Platform, RMIT University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

How to maintain authentic friendships in the social media world? (2025-12-05T12:26:00+05:30)

IANS Photo New Delhi, (IANSlife) Building a friendship is no less than forming any kind of relationship. While many meet soulmates through friends, there are also people out there who struggle to find genuine friends. Especially in the world of social media, in many instances we come across the 'friends for benefits' kind of relationship. Not everyone that comes into our life has good intentions, but hey! it is also how we turn the table. This Friendship Day, let’s find out how your favourite personalities from the internet are dealing on maintaining authentic friendships in the social media world. Palak Rathi, Gen Z Finance Content Creator, "Do you know what’s the best thing about social media? Accessibility. Accessibility to literally anyone and everyone. It’s up to us how we use that accessibility - to just network or to actually build meaningful relationships beyond networking. Don’t connect with people only when you need a favour or there’s some work to be discussed but rather keep talking to them once in a while, check on them, appreciate them, celebrate their small victories by maybe reacting to a story or sending them a sweet message or calling them up to congratulate them. While staying connected online is great, whenever and wherever possible - try to meet them in person. Make efforts. Look and build real friendships. And most importantly - stay genuine and don’t try to be someone who you’re not. Because only then you’ll be able to find people who you can really connect with on a deeper level rather than just likes and comments on the surface level. Talk about your interests, your likings, your struggles (trauma bonding is a thing, haha), your goals - just be yourself and you’ll be surprised to see how it will lead to the start of some extremely meaningful conversations and lifelong friendships. Engage with people whose interests align with you or should I say whose “vibe” matches with you. That will help you make friends and not just connections." Adete Dahiya, Gen Z Lifestyle Content Creator, "Whenever we talk about the impact of social media, romantic relationships often take precedence over anything else. But its impact on friendships and other interpersonal relationships is even more profound. Social media has made it so easy to stay in touch with friends and make new ones online - you can just like their photos on Instagram or react with an emoji to their stories, or just drop a short comment on their latest post and you’re done. But the flip side is that it has made it much harder to maintain meaningful connections and bonds. A few things you can do to counteract this is to schedule regular call times with your friends. It is essential to check in, speak to them face to face and get a deeper understanding of what is happening in each others’ lives. If you live in the same city, make it a priority to meet weekly. The key is not to become lazy because of social media but to use it to deepen your connection." Reshi Magada, Gen Z Finance Content Creator, "Maintaining meaningful friendships as a Gen Z individual navigating the social media environment needs a balance of virtual relationships and in-person connections. To begin, I value honest communication by being open about my views, feelings, and experiences. Sharing both highs and lows helps friends understand each other better. Second, I try to engage in real conversations that go beyond likes and comments. I send individual notes, check about their well-being, and show real interest in their life. In this way, I display that I value and care for my friends. Third, I maintain digital boundaries. To keep my friendships from being superficial, I restrict my screen time and prevent idle scrolling. Instead, I invest in face-to-face interactions and meaningful time spent together, which strengthens the bond. Finally, keep in mind that social media is a highlight reel, and comparison may stunt true friendships. I create a healthy climate for genuine friendships to grow by appreciating my friends' wins without feeling envious. Through these methods, I am able to form and retain genuine friendships in the ever-changing social media world." Caslynn Qusay Naha, Gen Z Finance Content Creator, "Maintaining authentic friendships in the social media world is crucial as we navigate the digital age. It's essential to remember that the principles that apply to real-life friendships can also be applied to our online connections. First and foremost, authenticity is key. Just like in face-to-face interactions, being genuine and true to yourself fosters trust and openness. Share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences honestly, and encourage your friends to do the same. Taking the time to actively communicate and stay connected with your friends is vital. Initiate conversations, respond to messages, and participate in online discussions. By showing interest in their lives and making an effort to stay connected, you demonstrate that you value friendship. Remember, it's not about the number of friends you have, but the quality of the relationships you build. Be present for your friends, celebrate their successes, offer support in their struggles, and be a positive influence in their lives. So, maintaining authentic friendships in the social media world is all about being genuine, avoiding comparison, actively communicating, and valuing the quality of your connections over quantity." relationship maintain authentic friendships social media world How to maintain authentic friendships in the social media world? | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

Cybersecurity experts call for AI-driven defence (2025-12-03T12:50:00+05:30)

GUWAHATI, (MExN): Citing growing instances of cyber attacks from “non-friendly countries,” cybersecurity experts called for a resilient AI-driven defence mechanism and investigation process, alongside greater public awareness. At a national conference, experts highlighted that IT system constraints, too many disconnected threads, and limited remote capabilities were holding back investigations, which could be fast-tracked with the adoption of proper AI tools and skilling of users. The conference on 'Cybersecurity, Digital Forensics and Intelligence' was organised by the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) at Gauhati University. Citing alarming data, Keshri Kumar Asthana, Head of Public Sector at Microsoft, said, “India lost Rs 22,845 crore to cyber fraud in 2024, a 205.6 per cent surge from the previous year.” He stated that over 36 lakh financial fraud cases were reported during the year, and around 20.5 lakh cybersecurity incidents were reported to CERT-In in 2024, up from 15.9 lakh in 2023. Asthana added that the average cost of a data breach in India in 2025 is Rs 22 crore, the highest on record, driven by gaps in governance and security. “Around 83 per cent of organizations experience more than one data breach in their lifetime. The cost is high as the incidents are being caught late,” he said. He emphasised that defenders must adopt a “graphical thinking” approach to counter attackers who already use such methods. Sandesh Jadhav, Global Data Privacy Officer of Wipro, cautioned people to be vigilant while using social media and digital platforms, warning, “You are being watched continuously.” Shreekrishna Ashutosh of Cellebrite pointed to operational challenges, noting that 50 per cent of agencies report case backlogs yearly, and 60 per cent of investigators still rely on outdated methods. “The average time spent per case reviewing digital evidence is 69 hours,” he said. Asthana underscored the critical role of digital evidence, stating, “90 per cent of criminal cases include digital evidence and 98 per cent of prosecutors say it is pivotal. Digital evidence is no longer optional but essential.” The two-day event is being organised by NIELIT Assam & Nagaland under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), in association with Assam Police and Gauhati University. The conference is being held under the theme “Cyber Secure Bharat: Fortifying India’s Digital Future.” Delivering the welcome address, L Lanuwabang, Director of NIELIT Assam & Nagaland and Conference Chair, highlighted the expansion of the conference to Guwahati to ensure wider participation across the North-East. He emphasised the need for advanced cyber training, digital forensic laboratory infrastructure, coordinated cyber investigations, and multi-agency collaboration. “Cyber Secure Bharat is not merely a theme; it is a national mission. A secure India is the foundation of a strong digital future,” Lanuwabang remarked. The inaugural ceremony was attended by K S Gopinath Narayan, Principal Secretary, IT, Government of Assam; Prof Nani Gopal Mahanta, Vice Chancellor, Gauhati University; and Surendra Kumar, Additional Director General of Police, Assam, among others. This year's conference features over 30 speakers from industry, defence, law enforcement, and academia, with more than 300 delegates in attendance.The inaugural programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Santanu Borgohain, Additional Director, NIELIT Guwahati. The second day will feature technical sessions and panel discussions on emerging threats and cybercrime trends. Cybersecurity experts call for AI-driven defence | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

Social media age restrictions may go further than you thought. Here’s how (2025-09-29T11:07:00+05:30)

Ralph Olazo / Unsplash Lisa M. Given, RMIT University Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, today outlined an updated list of platforms that may fall under the social media age restrictions that will take effect later this year. While Australians expected platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube to be included, this new list demonstrates the legislation’s reach is even broader. Which platforms will be required to restrict access for under 16s? When the legislation was first introduced, the government explained it would use the definition of social media outlined in Australia’s Social Media Services Online Safety Code. The law, which comes into effect on December 10, will restrict people under 16 from holding accounts on many social media platforms. Recently, the eSafety Commissioner introduced self-assessment guidance for companies to determine whether their platforms would be considered age-restricted. Under this guidance, companies will be required to restrict access to platform accounts for users under 16 where: material is accessible to, or delivered to, Australian users users can post material users can link to, or interact with, other users online social interaction is the sole, or significant, purpose of the platform. The eSafety Commissioner has written to an “initial list” of 16 companies (including Facebook, TikTok and YouTube) advising they may fall under the social media definition that requires age restrictions. The list also named messaging and gaming platforms WhatsApp, Discord and Twitch, alongside software sharing platform GitHub, dating app company Match (which owns Tinder), message board Reddit and image-sharing platform Pinterest, among others. What does this mean for platforms designed to engage children? Lego Play and Roblox were also included. These platforms host games and creative tools used by many children under 16. Earlier this month, Roblox (which has more than 380 million users globally) committed to new safety measures to address risks posed by online grooming. The new measures include making children’s accounts private by default and ensuring adults are prevented from engaging with child users without parental consent. However, Roblox has now been flagged as likely to meet the definition of an age-restricted platform. It may need to block children under 16 from having accounts. Will some platforms be excluded from age restrictions? The self-assessment guidance also outlines specific circumstances in which social media platforms can be excluded from the restrictions. Under the legislation, services are excluded where the sole or primary purpose is to enable: communication by messaging, email, voice or video calling playing online games sharing information about products or services professional networking or professional development supporting education (including between educational institutions and students/parents) supporting health (including between healthcare providers and people accessing services). These exclusions require self-assessment by individual platforms. This is why the eSafety Commissioner has asked companies to make their case, in writing, and provide evidence as to why they believe they should be exempt. WhatsApp, for example, may argue its primary purpose is communication by messaging. Lego Play may argue it is mainly an educational tool. Companies will only have a few weeks to make their case for exclusion before the restrictions are in place. What happens next? In the coming weeks, we will learn more about which platforms will be included – and excluded – from age restrictions. But today’s list is only a start. There will likely be others identified through the self-assessment process. What’s not yet clear is what happens when there is conflict over a platform’s self-assessment. The eSafety Commissioner has flagged she is already “bracing for legal challenges” on this point. She explained the focus will first be on platforms with the greatest number of users and, therefore, the highest potential for harm. So Australians may have some clarity about which platforms fall under – or outside – the legislation on December 10. However, some uncertainty is likely to continue well into 2026. Lisa M. Given, Professor of Information Sciences & Director, Social Change Enabling Impact Platform, RMIT University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Details on how Australia’s social media ban for under-16s will work are finally becoming clear (2025-09-23T10:53:00+05:30)

Lisa M. Given, RMIT University The Australian government today released regulatory guidance on the social media minimum age law, which comes into effect on December 10. The law will restrict individuals under 16 from holding accounts on many social media platforms. Reasonable steps for tech companies This guidance follows a self-assessment guide for technology companies recently released by the eSafety Commission. Companies can use this to determine whether their services will be age-restricted. That guidance included details on the types of platforms to be excluded from the age restrictions, such as those whose “sole or primary purpose” is professional networking, to support education or health, or to enable playing of online games. Today’s guidance is aimed at services likely to be age-restricted, such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. It sets out what the government considers “reasonable steps” technology companies must take to “ensure they have appropriate measures in place” to comply with the legislation. Removing underage users Social media platforms will be expected to “detect and deactivate or remove” accounts from existing underage users. The government advice says this should be done “with care and clear communication”, which suggests account-holders will be notified. However, it remains unclear whether companies will delete a user’s content. Nor is it clear whether an underage person’s account could be reactivated once they turn 16. Preservation options may demonstrate a level of “care” expected by the legislation. This may be important for young people concerned about losing their creative content and social media history. Tech companies will also need to “prevent re-registration or circumvention by underage users whose accounts have been deactivated or removed”. This suggests companies may need to put measures in place to counter attempts to use virtual private networks (VPNs), for example, which allow users to hide their country of residence. They may also need strategies to check whether underage users are accessing accounts due to errors made by age-assurance technologies. How age assurance may work For users over 16 who are erroneously restricted from accessing accounts, technology companies must “provide accessible review mechanisms”. Companies are also expected to take a “layered approach” to age assurance to minimise error rates and “friction” for users. They must also give users choice on how age will be assured, as they “cannot use government ID as the sole method”. This may allay some data-privacy concerns. However, the number of users who need to provide some form of personal information to assure their age will be significant. The government guidance makes clear companies must ensure they are “avoiding reliance on self-declaration alone” (that is, simply asking users their age). Companies must also be “continuously monitoring and improving systems” to demonstrate they are effective in limiting underage account access. Will the legislation achieve its goal? The guidance provides clarity on many practical questions about how the legislation will be implemented. It also demonstrates that Australians under 16 are not being banned, completely, from accessing social media content. Under-16s will still be able to view social media content online without logging into an account. This means things such as watching YouTube on a web browser. Young people may still access content through accounts held by older people. Think of when adult accounts remain logged in on shared devices. Parents and other caregivers will need to ensure they understand the new rules and continue to guide young people accessing content online. The eSafety Commissioner will also provide further resources to support people to understand the new laws. What won’t be required Importantly, the government “is not asking platforms to verify the age of all users”. The guidance explains such a blanket verification approach “may be considered unreasonable, especially if existing data can infer age reliably”. Some young people may keep their accounts, such as in cases where facial scanning technology estimates them to be over 16. The government “does not expect platforms to keep personal information from individual age checks” or retain “user-level data”. Rather, companies will be expected to keep records that “focus on systems and processes”. This suggests individual cases of young people accessing accounts may not mean companies have failed to comply with legislation. However, the eSafety Commissioner said in a press conference today that companies will be expected to “make discoverable and responsible reporting tools available”. Where some young people’s accounts are missed, the government will “talk to the companies about the need to retune their [age assurance] technologies”. What happens next? Technology companies are likely to start implementing restrictions using data they already have for account holders, to ensure compliance from December 10. If a person signed up to Facebook in 2004, when the platform launched, for example, that could demonstrate the account holder is over 16 without additional checks. However, the government is not prescribing specific approaches or technologies companies must use. Each service will need to determine its own strategy. This means Australians could face differing expectations for age assurance from each platform. What the government has made clear is there will be no delay in the start date for compliance. Communications Minister Anika Wells said there is “no excuse for non-compliance”. The next steps are now in the social media companies’ hands. Lisa M. Given, Professor of Information Sciences & Director, Social Change Enabling Impact Platform, RMIT University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Orange Cyberdefense acquires Swiss cybersecurity specialist ensec (2025-08-11T11:22:00+05:30)

Press Release Posted by Harry Baldock: Orange Cyberdefense, the cybersecurity subsidiary of Orange, has acquired 100% of ensec, a Swiss cybersecurity company based in Zurich, known for its expertise in consulting, IT security integration, managed security services and tailored support for a wide-ranging portfolio of products from leading cybersecurity providers. This targeted acquisition, which was finalized on 23 July, will reinforce Orange Cyberdefense’s existing presence in Switzerland. In a fast-growing Swiss market characterized by increased regulatory requirements and strong demand for local expertise, the acquisition of ensec will expand Orange Cyberdefense’s presence in German-speaking Switzerland, complementing its existing footprint in the French-speaking part of the country. Orange Cyberdefense has been present in Switzerland since 2022 and enjoys a solid reputation, particularly in offensive security solutions. With over 100 highly skilled cybersecurity experts in the country, Orange already works closely with customers from both the public and private sectors, ranging from SMBs to large multi-nationals in collaboration with Orange Business. The acquisition of ensec will build on this presence, bringing considerable value in terms of expertise and customer proximity in the Germanic regions of Switzerland. The company counts around 40 highly trained experts and a distinct customer portfolio of over 130 clients operating in sensitive fields such as finance, retail and energy, as well as customers from the public sector. This operation constitutes an opportunity to capitalize on complementary strengths: on the one hand, leveraging synergies with Orange Business and Orange Cyberdefense’s global sales forces; and on the other, benefiting from the technical expertise and local presence of ensec in the Germanic regions of Switzerland and in neighboring areas. This move strengthens Orange Cyberdefense’s position in Europe as a leading cybersecurity player and reinforces its ambition to be the trusted cybersecurity partner of choice in Switzerland and beyond. This new milestone is fully aligned with Orange Cyberdefense’s unique positioning as a global cybersecurity player, combining local presence with scalable expertise and services, as well as deep-threat intelligence. It also reflects the Orange group’s broader ambition to deliver sustainable growth and digital trust through expert-led and territorially anchored cybersecurity services. Hugues Foulon, CEO of Orange Cyberdefense, commented: “The acquisition of ensec marks a significant milestone in our European development, enabling us to better serve our customers with comprehensive, high-impact cybersecurity solutions. This move not only strengthens our market position among Germanic customers in Switzerland but also underscores our commitment to build a safer digital society for our clients and partners. We are delighted to welcome ensec’s teams into the Orange Cyberdefense family.” Nicolas Lutz, CEO of Orange Cyberdefense Switzerland, added: “We strongly believe that the combination of our respective activities in Switzerland makes sense for our customers by providing increased proximity and the ability to respond rapidly irrespective of language-related constraints. In addition, ensec’s recognized expertise in consulting and cybersecurity integration makes for a perfect match that will build on our existing capabilities to create a dynamic Swiss cyber champion.” Mike Schuler, CEO of ensec, concluded: “Joining Orange Cyberdefense marks an exciting new chapter for ensec. This step enables us to scale our impact, expand our footprint, and bring even more value to our clients — while staying true to our core: deep technical expertise, a strong local presence, and trusted partnerships. With access to Orange Cyberdefense’s extensive portfolio of services and products, we are ideally positioned to deliver end-to-end cybersecurity solutions tailored to the Swiss market. This evolution also opens up new opportunities for our employees to grow within a global leader and for our partners to benefit from an even broader ecosystem. Together, we will shape the future of cybersecurity in Switzerland and beyond”.The financial details of this acquisition remain confidential. Orange Cyberdefense acquires Swiss cybersecurity specialist ensec

India to host AI impact summit 2026, leading global dialogue on democratising AI (2025-08-08T13:34:00+05:30)

New Delhi, (IANS): India is set to host the AI Impact Summit in February 2026, reinforcing its commitment to democratising Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the public good, the Parliament was informed on Wednesday. This landmark event aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making technology accessible to all and leveraging AI to tackle real-world challenges across healthcare, education, agriculture, climate, and governance, Union Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnav told the Lok Sabha. The IndiaAI mission, which prioritises accountability, safety, equity, and the defence of privacy and human rights, is at the core of India's AI strategy. According to the statement, one of the main highlights is the creation of native Large and Small Language Models using Indian datasets. Currently, startups such as Sarvam AI, Soket AI, Gnani AI, and Gan AI are developing foundational models that are suited to the linguistic and cultural diversity of India. According to the statement, these models will be open-source, allowing other startups to create locally tailored applications. According to Minister Vaishnaw, to support scalable innovation, the government is also enhancing AI compute capacity by ensuring GPU infrastructure access and expanding the AIKosh Datasets Platform, which currently hosts over 1,000 datasets and 208 AI models, including Text-to-Speech tools in Indian languages. Additionally, the mission is funding 30 AI-based applications addressing public interest areas like health, climate, and governance. Through its IndiaAI Startups Global Programme, 10 startups are being mentored at Station F and HEC Paris, including PrivaSapien Technologies (privacy-enhancing AI) and Secure Blink (AI cybersecurity). Ensuring safe and trusted AI, India has established the IndiaAI Safety Institute to coordinate efforts on responsible AI. Projects under this initiative include AI bias mitigation, machine unlearning, and watermarking, as per the statement A strong legal framework that addresses AI-related risks like disinformation, deepfakes, and data misuse, such as the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (2023), IT Act (2000), and IT Rules (2021), supports the tech initiatives.A techno-legal approach underpins India’s regulation, combining legislation with government-funded R&D on deepfake detection, privacy, and cybersecurity tools, according to the written reply. India's hosting of the 2026 summit further solidifies its position as a global leader in the development of AI that is inclusive, moral, and driven by innovation. India to host AI impact summit 2026, leading global dialogue on democratising AI | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

US resumes student visas with mandatory social media screening (2025-06-24T11:50:00+05:30)

Washington, (IANS): The US Department of State has announced that it will resume processing of the visa applications for foreign students with a condition that requires applicants to make their social media accounts public for government review. "Under new guidance, we will conduct a comprehensive and thorough vetting, including online presence, of all student and exchange visitor applicants in the F, M, and J nonimmigrant classifications. To facilitate this vetting, all applicants for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas will be instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media profiles to 'public,'" read the statement issued by the US Department of State on Wednesday. According to the State Department, it is committed to protecting America and its citizens by upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through the visa process, adding that a US visa is a "privilege, not a right". "We use all available information in our visa screening and vetting to identify visa applicants who are inadmissible to the United States, including those who pose a threat to US national security," it stated The US State Department asserted that every visa adjudication is a national security decision. "The United States must be vigilant during the visa-issuance process to ensure that those applying for admission into the United States do not intend to harm Americans and our national interests and that all applicants credibly establish their eligibility for the visa sought, including that they intend to engage in activities consistent with the terms for their admission," the statement added. Last month, the US indicated that the pause on student visa interviews would end "sooner than later" and encouraged applicants to continue the application process while frequently checking for the resumption of regular services. Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered US missions around the world to pause student visa interviews to incorporate expanded scrutiny of the social media footprints of applicants. The Trump administration has expanded scrutiny of foreign students in US colleges and universities in the wake of political unrest that swept through campuses against the Israel-Gaza conflict.The administration has targeted college authorities for not doing enough to prevent and protect Jewish students and foreign students from participating in them. US resumes student visas with mandatory social media screening | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

How To Keep Your Teenager Children Safe On Social Media? (2025-06-23T11:21:00+05:30)

By Bharat Gatha, Social media, while being a tool for connection and learning, has its own risks, especially for our young ones. Let’s understand what these risks are and how we, as parents or caregivers, can help keep our teenagers safe. Social media can be a double-edged sword for teenagers. On one hand, it offers a platform for expression and social interaction. On the other, it exposes them to risks like cyberbullying, trolling, and exposure to inappropriate content. These negative experiences can severely impact a teenager’s mental health, leading to issues like anxiety and depression. The recent tragic case of Pranshu, a 16-year-old from Ujjain, highlights the devastating impact of such cyberbullying. It’s a stark reminder of the importance of our role in guiding and protecting our children in the digital world. How To Keep Our Teens Safe On These Platforms? Now, how we can help keep our teens safe on these platforms. The first step is understanding and monitoring their social media usage. This doesn’t mean invading their privacy, but rather being aware of what platforms they’re using and how they’re interacting with others online. Regular conversations about their social media experiences are crucial. It creates a safe space where they can share their online encounters without fear of judgment. Additionally, sharing our own social media habits with our children is important. This not only sets a good example but also opens up discussions about responsible online behavior. We should discuss the importance of not oversharing, especially personal or sensitive content, as once something is posted online, it’s out of our control and can lead to unwanted attention or cyberbullying. Furthermore, we should encourage our teens to take breaks from social media. This helps them understand that life exists beyond the digital screen and there’s much to enjoy and experience in the real world. It’s also a good practice for mental health. How To Monitor Teenagers’ Social Media Usage? Lastly, let’s discuss how we can effectively monitor our teenagers’ social media usage. It’s about balance. While we need to respect their privacy, we also have to ensure they’re safe. Employ strategies like setting time limits for social media use, having open discussions about the content they’re viewing, and being available to guide them through any negative experiences they may encounter. As parents or caregivers, we play a pivotal role in ensuring our teenagers navigate social media safely. Let’s use our understanding and open communication to help them enjoy the benefits of these platforms while protecting them from their potential harms. Remember, it’s about guidance, not control. How To Keep Your Teenager Children Safe On Social Media?

Manipur govt restores mobile internet in 5 valley districts as situation improves further (2025-06-19T11:11:00+05:30)

IANS Photo Imphal, (IANS) With the further improvement of the situation in Manipur, the state government on Friday restored mobile internet and data services in five valley districts, an official said. Smartphone deals Commissioner (Home) N. Ashok Kumar in an order said that in view of overall improvement of law and order in the five districts and the inconveniences faced by the general public during such period of suspension of internet services, the state government has decided to lift any form of internet suspension in the territorial jurisdictions of these districts. The five Imphal valley districts include Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching. On June 10, the district administrations of five valley districts relaxed the indefinite curfew from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Violent protests broke out on the night of June 7 in five valley districts following the arrest of Meitei radical outfit Arambai Tenggol leader Ashem Kanan Singh (46) by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). To control the situation, the state government banned mobile internet and data services on June 7 midnight for five days and imposed an indefinite curfew in five Imphal valley districts, inhabited by the people of the Meitei community. Smartphone deals A large contingent of Central and state forces led by senior officials had been deployed in the five districts, especially in Imphal East and Imphal West districts, to bring the situation under control. Meanwhile, the Arambai Tenggol also on June 10 announced that it relaxed its 10-day Manipur shutdown call given from June 8 to protest the arrest of a senior leader of the group, as well as against the lodging of cases by security agencies. A spokesman of the outfit said that they relaxed the shutdown, but protests would continue in a democratic manner.Manipur Police earlier said that Arambai Tenggol leader Ashem Kanan Singh was arrested by the CBI in Imphal and taken to Guwahati. A Manipur Police statement said that Singh was a Head Constable in Manipur Police till he was terminated from service on March 3 this year for his involvement in various criminal activities, including cross-border smuggling of arms. He was arrested for his criminal activities, which include several acts of a grave nature and involvement in unlawful activities and criminal cases registered against him, the statement said. Manipur govt restores mobile internet in 5 valley districts as situation improves further | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

Cybersecurity in Nagaland's Schools: Bridging the Digital Safety Gap (2025-06-14T12:25:00+05:30)

Photo Courtesy: Image by Fakhruddin Memon from Pixabay Bridging the Cybersecurity Gap in Nagaland's Educational Institutions Pangerkumzuk Longkumer Founder and Director, Nexuscipherguard India (OPC) Pvt Ltd As schools and colleges in Nagaland reopen after their winter break, the increasing use of digital platforms in education brings both opportunities and challenges. While technology enhances learning, it also exposes students and educators to cyber threats like scams, phishing, and sextortion. Addressing these risks is crucial to ensure a safe learning environment. The Current Cybersecurity Situation in Nagaland’s Schools Despite the growing reliance on digital tools, many of Nagaland’s educational institutions lack basic cybersecurity infrastructure. This leaves them vulnerable to various cybercrimes, particularly targeting young students who are often unaware of these dangers. Reports have shown a rise in cybercrimes like digital scams and phishing attacks, which underscores the need for improved cybersecurity measures. Challenges Schools Face 1. Lack of Cyber-Trained Teachers: There’s a severe shortage of teachers trained in cybersecurity. Without knowledgeable staff, schools struggle to implement effective safety measures. While some local institutes offer courses in cybersecurity, the number of trained professionals remains far too low to meet the demand. 2. Cybersecurity Education Gaps: Most to no schools don’t include cybersecurity in their curriculum. As a result, students graduate without the basic skills needed to protect themselves online. Incorporating cybersecurity lessons could help students develop a better understanding of online safety. 3. Limited Awareness Programs: General awareness initiatives exist, but they often fail to address the specific needs of educational institutions. Schools require customized programs that focus on real-world threats students might face, such as cyberbullying and data privacy issues. Why Cybersecurity Education Matters Cybersecurity education is essential in today’s digital world. Teaching students about online safety not only protects them but also helps build a community that values and understands the importance of cybersecurity. When students learn about these issues early on, they’re better equipped to navigate the digital landscape safely. Practical Steps to Bridge the Cybersecurity Gap 1. Train Educators: Schools need to invest in training their teachers. Educators equipped with cybersecurity knowledge can pass this on to their students, creating a safer school environment. 2. Update Curriculums: Cybersecurity should be part of the regular school curriculum. By introducing basic concepts early, students will develop the skills needed to stay safe online throughout their lives. 3. Collaborate with Experts: Schools can partner with cybersecurity organizations like Nexuscipherguard India (OPC) Pvt Ltd, MMB Cyber School and Nielit, to bring expertise and resources into the classroom. Collaborative efforts can help design effective awareness programs and provide practical safety tips for students and staff. Policy Changes Needed To address these issues, policymakers should: • Support Public-Private Partnerships • By working with private cybersecurity firms, schools can gain access to the resources and expertise they need to enhance their security measures. • Allocate Funding • Dedicated funding for cybersecurity initiatives can help schools implement the necessary training and infrastructure improvements. • Develop Comprehensive Policies • Creating policies that mandate cybersecurity education and protection in schools will ensure a consistent approach to student safety. Conclusion As Nagaland’s educational institutions continue to embrace digital tools, addressing the cybersecurity gap is more important than ever. By improving cybersecurity education, training teachers, and fostering collaboration, we can create a safer digital environment for students. Here’s a thought to reflect on: How can we, as a community, work together to ensure that our students are not only aware of the digital threats they face but are also equipped to defend themselves in this ever-evolving digital landscape?Pangerkumzuk Longkumer is a seasoned cybersecurity professional dedicated to advancing digital safety and awareness. As the founder of Nexuscipherguard India, he has played a pivotal role in organizing workshops, seminars, and educational programs aimed at empowering individuals and institutions with the knowledge and tools needed to defend against cyber threats. Cybersecurity in Nagaland's Schools: Bridging the Digital Safety Gap | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com