In a major initiative to curb fake news, raise awareness about cyber crime, and promote the commendable work of the police on social media platforms during the Maha Kumbh 2025, the Uttar Pradesh government has deployed a dedicated team of ‘Digital Warriors.’ This campaign is set to be spearheaded by social media influencers and college students, harnessing the power of the younger generation to spread positive messages and enhance digital vigilance.
The campaign’s objective is to strengthen the role of young people in combating misinformation while highlighting the efforts of the police. Uttar Pradesh’s Director General of Police, Prashant Kumar, has issued directives to extend the initiative throughout the state, building on previous successful efforts.
The Evolution of Digital Volunteering in UP
The Uttar Pradesh Police first launched the digital volunteering initiative in 2018 by enrolling individuals from various segments of society as digital volunteers through WhatsApp. By 2023, the effort had expanded to include “WhatsApp Community Groups,” connecting police personnel with around 10 lakh digital volunteers. This initiative has proven instrumental in countering fake news and promoting the work of the police.
At present, over 2 lakh police officers and 10 lakh volunteers are actively engaged in these community groups, which include residents from local villages, towns, and neighborhoods. The initiative has seen remarkable success in tackling misinformation and increasing community engagement.
Involvement of Social Media Influencers and Students
To further strengthen the campaign, Director General of Police Prashant Kumar has directed all department heads and police officers to involve younger individuals, including social media influencers and college students, as ‘Digital Warriors.’ These Digital Warriors will play a key role in spreading awareness about cyber crime, fake news, and the police’s efforts across various social media platforms.
College and university students will be trained in critical thinking skills to help them analyze and verify information effectively. These trained students will be tasked with reporting cybercrime, countering fake news, and raising awareness within their personal networks, creating a ripple effect that will promote digital safety in communities.
Four Key Roles for Digital Warriors
The campaign will categorize Digital Warriors into four primary roles:
1. Refuting fake news and alerting the public about cybercrime.
2. Creating awareness about cybercrime.
3. Serving as cyber trainers.
4. Promoting police campaigns and showcasing the police’s commendable work.
These Digital Warriors will undergo training through workshops organized at universities, degree colleges, schools, and police stations. The workshops will feature experts in cyber crime, fact-checking, and digital safety, offering technical insights and real-world experiences to enhance the warriors’ knowledge.
Cyber Clubs and Collaboration with Education and District Authorities
District police officers will encourage the establishment of ‘Cyber Clubs’ in schools, colleges, and universities, with a designated teacher acting as the nodal officer for each club. These clubs will facilitate workshops and creative sessions, including poster-making, slogan writing, and video content creation, all focused on raising awareness about cyber crime and promoting digital safety. The Education Department and district administration will collaborate to ensure the success of this initiative.
Criteria for Selection and Code of Conduct
Only individuals with a clean image, free from controversy, will be selected as Digital Warriors. Social media influencers from outside Uttar Pradesh are also welcome to apply. Interested candidates must fill out a form via a Google link provided in the circular. Prior to selection, applicants must sign a voluntary undertaking agreeing to cooperate with the police, avoid spreading misinformation, and refrain from engaging in any cyber crimes.
Digital Warriors are expected to submit monthly reports detailing the fake news they’ve identified, the police’s activities they’ve promoted, and their overall contributions to the initiative. Any Digital Warrior who fails to meet expectations, misuses their responsibilities, or violates the agreed terms will be disengaged from the program.
Future Prospects
While school students will be included in workshops, only college/university students and social media influencers will be officially selected as ‘Digital Warriors.’ The program is set to significantly amplify the efforts to combat misinformation and foster a digitally aware and responsible community, especially during the highly anticipated Maha Kumbh 2025.
