Google launches 2nd phase of 'Be NetSmart Week'

BANGALORE, INDIA: Google India has launched the second leg of its nationwide Internet safety campaign, ‘Be NetSmart’. This is being launched in collaboration with the government and local law enforcement authorities.

This campaign was launched in Chennai on August 25th 2008. Then it was initiated to schools across Kolkata on September 2 and is now being taken to schools in New Delhi from September 15.

During the ‘Be NetSmart Week’ campaigns in Chennai and Kolkata, Google employee volunteered and police authorities visited several English, Tamil and Bengali medium schools and reached nearly 11,140 students, 90 teachers, and 17 schools.

The ‘Be NetSmart Week’ campaign is now being taken to schools across Delhi in association with the Government of India's Department of Information Technology and IAMAI. The campaign aims to celebrate the goodness of the Internet, applaud its impact on society, and educate India’s youth on Internet safety.

The sessions in schools cover topics that range from the positive use of the Internet and its increasing role in our lives, to responsible online conduct such as the need to maintain confidentiality, safely download content, carefully post pictures, and cautiously engage in chatting.

Shailesh Rao, managing director, Google India, said, “The campaign is not a story about one organisation. It is a story about the young people of India using a powerful medium like the Internet to realise their highest potential. It is vital to empower our youth with all the tools and the knowledge that will help them build a better future. It is a celebration of the Internet and its positive impact on the lives of our children.”

Subho Ray, President, Internet and Mobile Association of India, said: "Since February, the national “Be NetSmart” campaign has reached more than 36,000 students. The Be NetSmart campaign is a nucleus around which we would like to build a nationwide campaign for making the Internet pleasurable, useful and safe."