Pics: Joshwa D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JD)

Mangaluru, Dec 9: "Youth need to be careful when they forward provocative or explicit content in social media, as that could land them behind bars," said deputy commissioner of police (law and order) Dr Sanjeev M Patil.

The DCP was addressing students from various colleges at the intercollegiate paper presentation competition on 'Youth in prevention of cyber crime' held at School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya in the city on Tuesday December 8.

"Today all sorts of content is received via social networking media like Whatsapp. If it is a provocative post or a forward, please do not forward it as it may hurt the sentiments of any individual or community. Instead, try informing the nearest police station or inform your teachers. If you forward such content you might end up behind bars for various offences," the DCP said.

"Rs 29 lac crore a year worldwide is spent on dealing with cyber crime, which is also equal to one third of India's annual budget. One has to make sure one's ATM card is not duplicated while shopping online or at shops. I urge the youth to create awareness in this regard," he added.

The programme was presided over by Dr Laxminarayana Bhat P, the registrar of the college. In his inaugural address he called for a regulation on content uploaded on social media. "Technology and development come with various side effects. When there is a knife to cut fruit, you cannot blame the knife since it is the user who is responsible. Hence while posting anything on the internet or social network, one has to be very careful as it can be misused," he advised.

Former principal of the college Dr Jacintha, sub-inspector of Mangaluru south police station Dinakar Shetty, Prof Ananth Prabhu were present at the occasion.

Students from various colleges presented their reasearch papers on the topic. The event was organised by the commissionerate of Mangaluru in association with Mangaluru South police station and School of Social Work, Roshini Nilaya.