Cyber Safety in the era of AI

The increasing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into digital systems has significantly transformed the way individuals and institutions interact with technology. AI-enabled applications are now widely used in education, communication, governance, data processing, and content generation. While these technologies offer enhanced efficiency, accessibility, and innovation, they also introduce new cyber safety concerns that require informed understanding and responsible engagement.

AI systems function through large-scale data collection, automated decision-making, and algorithmic processing. As a result, they are susceptible to risks such as unauthorized data access, privacy breaches, algorithmic bias, automated cyberattacks, deepfake manipulation, and AI-assisted fraud. The growing use of generative AI tools and intelligent platforms has expanded the cyber threat landscape, making cyber safety a critical concern for individuals as well as educational institutions.

Educators, administrators, and learners increasingly rely on AI-enabled digital platforms for teaching - learning processes, assessment, communication, and academic support. However, limited awareness of how AI systems operate, how data is processed, and how cyber risks emerge can expose users to threats such as identity misuse, misinformation, and compromise of personal and institutional data. Understanding AI-related cyber risks has therefore become an essential aspect of contemporary digital literacy.

Cyber safety in the context of AI extends beyond technical protection measures. It involves ethical use of AI tools, awareness of AI-driven cyber threats, protection of data and digital identities, and adherence to legal and regulatory frameworks. Educational institutions play a crucial role in guiding teachers and learners towards responsible engagement with AI technologies and in fostering a culture of critical awareness, accountability, and safe digital practices.

The online training programme on “Cyber Safety in the era of AI” aims to strengthen the knowledge and practical understanding of educators and institutional stakeholders regarding the safe and responsible use of AI technologies. The programme will provide conceptual clarity on AI systems and their cyber implications, highlight emerging AI-enabled threats, and offer practical guidance on safeguarding data, privacy, and digital identities. Participants will also be equipped to guide learners in engaging thoughtfully and ethically with AI-driven digital tools.

This initiative aligns with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which places strong emphasis on digital literacy, critical thinking, ethical use of technology, and cyber safety as integral components of education (Sections 23 - 24). NEP 2020 highlights the need to equip teachers and learners with the knowledge and competencies required to navigate digital and technology-rich environments in a safe, responsible, and informed manner. In accordance with these objectives, the Central Institute of Educational Technology (CIET) - NCERT, Government of India (GoI), New Delhi, is organizing a five-hour online training programme on “Cyber Safety in the era of AI”.

The English version of the training will be conducted from 02 - 06 February, 2026, and the Hindi version from 09 - 13 February, 2026, with live sessions scheduled daily from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The sessions will be broadcast on NCERT’s Official YouTube Channel and simulcast on PM eVidya DTH TV Channels (6 - 12) and the Jio TV mobile application. All sessions will also be made available as recorded resources through a dedicated playlist for future reference.