DITE&C sensitizes officials on cyber hygiene and AI safety
DITE&C hosts ‘Safer Internet Day’ awareness session on safe online practices
Goa observes ‘Safer Internet Day’ with focus on safe and responsible use of AI
Altinho, February 10, 2026: Marking Safer Internet Day, the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C) convened an awareness session on February 10, 2026, at the Training Hall of the IT Hub, Altinho, Panaji. The session brought together government officials to sensitize them to the growing threats and vulnerabilities of the online world, measures to curb cyber risks and the adoption of safe online practices.
Addressing the session, Shri Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS, Secretary of IT, highlighted, “As we navigate the vast digital landscape, we must remember that internet safety is a collective responsibility. Through awareness sessions like these, we aim to sensitize government officials, citizens and our youth to digital vulnerabilities while empowering them to build a more secure online environment.”
Speaking about the initiative, Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director, DITE&C, stated, “With increasing screen time, growing internet usage and rapid adoption of AI, it is imperative to understand the responsibility each of us have while engaging online. As government officials, it is equally important to inculcate safer online practices among the public. As Goa advances towards becoming digitally empowered, true empowerment will come only when we do not fall prey to cyber threats and consistently follow safe online practices.”
Dr. Milind Sakhardande, Joint Director, DITE&C, welcomed the gathering and encouraged participants to fully leverage the session’s insights to strengthen digital security. Held under the theme, ‘Smart tech, Safe choices – Exploring the Safe and Responsible use of AI’, the session was conducted by Smt. Sharda Katare, Head, State e-Governance Mission Team (SeMT), Goa, as part of the nationwide awareness campaign of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
The workshop focused on promoting cyber hygiene, raising awareness about key cyber threats, highlighting effective mitigation techniques and encouraging the responsible use of the internet and Al. The session was engaging and video-driven, concluding with an exchange of personal experiences with online fraud. Smt. Fiona D’costa, Assistant Director, DITE&C, proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the resource person and participants.
Through such initiatives, the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C) continues its commitment of advancing Goa’s digital empowerment by fostering a safer digital ecosystem and promoting responsible use of the internet and AI among government officials and citizens.
