Symposium on “Empowering Civilians Against Digital Arrest: Protecting Digital Rights and Freedom” Held at Amity University Lucknow

Lucknow – With the increasing threats of digital arrest and cybercrime affecting individuals and organizations, Amity Food and Agriculture Foundation, Amity University Lucknow Campus, organized a symposium on “Empowering Civilians Against Digital Arrest: Protecting Digital Rights and Freedom.” The event brought together renowned experts, policymakers, and academicians to deliberate on strategies for securing digital rights, enhancing cybersecurity awareness, and equipping citizens with the necessary knowledge to counter online threats.

The symposium was graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including Dr. G.K. Goswami (IPS), ADG Police and Founder Director of UP State Institute of Forensic Science, Lucknow;  Amitabh Yash (IPS), ADG Law and Order and Special Task Force, Uttar Pradesh;  Binod Kumar Singh (IPS), ADG Police Cyber Crime, Uttar Pradesh; and Col. Arvind Kumar Singh, Director (NCTC) – I4C, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. From Amity University, Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Anil Vashisht, Deputy Pro VC Wg. Cdr. (Dr.) Anil Kumar Tiwari, Dean Academics Dr. Rajesh Tiwari and Dr. Shalini Singh Visen, Director of Amity Food and Agriculture Foundation, were present.

Addressing the symposium virtually, Dr. Ashok K Chauhan, Hon’ble Founder President of Ritnand Baldev Education Foundation and AKC Group of Companies, congratulated Amity University Lucknow for taking the initiative to spread awareness about cyber threats. He emphasized that awareness is the most effective defense against cybercrime and stressed the importance of educational institutions in shaping a digitally secure future. Dr. Chauhan said that here at Amity University we are working towards making India a global leader by 2047.
Dr. W. Selvamurti, President of Amity Science Technology and Innovation Foundation and Chancellor of Amity University Chhattisgarh, highlighted the significance of cybersecurity in national security, stating that digital protection is now as crucial as securing financial institutions, businesses, and even defense operations.
Vice-Chancellor of Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Prof. (Dr.) Balvinder Shukla, underlined Amity’s commitment to promoting education in emerging technologies, including cybersecurity, cyber forensics, and digital law. She stated that Amity University has introduced new programs dedicated to these fields. She said that reinforcing its role as a research and innovation-driven university Amity is committed to make the nation strong.
Welcoming the guests, Dr. Shalini Singh Visen stressed the urgency of public awareness regarding cyber threats and digital security.

She pointed out that with the rapid expansion of digital infrastructure, individuals are increasingly vulnerable to cyber fraud, identity theft, and data breaches, making discussions like these essential for public safety.
Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Anil Vashisht, in his address, expressed gratitude to the esteemed speakers and commended their leadership in shaping cybersecurity laws and policies. He stated that the symposium aimed to educate not just students but also families and communities about the potential risks and consequences of cyber threats, emphasizing that only through awareness and preparedness can society safeguard itself against digital crimes.

Dr. G.K. Goswami (IPS) elaborated on the evolving nature of cyber threats and the growing need for robust cyber laws. He explained that as individuals increasingly rely on digital platforms, their valuable asset is data, making it a prime target for criminals. He emphasized that cyber laws and regulatory frameworks such as the IT Act 2000 and the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act 2023 serve as crucial tools for ensuring digital safety and accountability.

Amitabh Yash (IPS) addressed the pressing issue of digital arrest, stating that cyberspace has become a breeding ground for criminals due to its accessibility and anonymity. He advocated for cyber awareness programs to be introduced at the school level to equip future generations with the skills needed to identify and prevent cyber threats. He also discussed the rapid advancement of AI-driven technologies, predicting that most industries will soon be governed by AI-based systems, making cybersecurity an even more urgent concern.

Binod Kumar Singh (IPS), speaking on the topic of cyberbullying, emphasized the concept of the “golden hour” in cybercrime reporting, stating that swift action significantly increases the chances of recovering financial losses. He also highlighted initiatives such as Cyber Helpline 1930, Cyber Dost, and the Sanchar Saathi portal, which have been developed to assist victims of cybercrime. He urged individuals to exercise caution before engaging in digital transactions, emphasizing the need for a “Stop, Think, and Act” approach to online interactions. Col. Arvind Kumar Singh, Director of NCTC, presented insights from NCRB data, reiterating that awareness remains the strongest defense against cybercriminals who exploit ignorance and fear.

The second session of the symposium featured a panel discussion on “Navigating the Digital Frontier: Cybersecurity Challenges, Innovations, and Responsibilities,” moderated by Dr. Shalini Singh Visen. The panel included experts from law enforcement, banking, and legal domains who shared their perspectives on the emerging challenges in cybersecurity and the role of technological advancements in addressing them. Panelists included  Kartikeya Srivastava, Coordinator Training Cyber Domain at UPSIFS;  Saif Abbas Kazmi, Zonal Head of ICICI Bank;  Aakash Prasad, Advocate at the Lucknow Bench of Allahabad High Court;  Saurabh Kumar, Advocate at the Supreme Court of India;  Alok Sharma, Chief Manager of Law at Indian Bank, Lucknow;  Deepak Kumar Singh, Deputy Superintendent of Police at STF Lucknow; and  Arun Kumar, Inspector at STF Lucknow. The discussion covered key aspects of cyber laws, digital security frameworks, and the responsibilities of individuals and organizations in preventing cybercrime.

The symposium concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Gurjeet Kaur, Assistant Professor at Amity Institute of Biotechnology, who acknowledged the contributions of all speakers, panelists, and attendees. She emphasized that such discussions are instrumental in fostering a safer digital environment and ensuring that individuals are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the cyber world.

By bringing together experts from law enforcement, academia, and industry, the symposium at Amity University Lucknow served as a significant step toward empowering civilians against digital threats, reinforcing the university’s commitment to innovation, research, and public awareness in the field of cybersecurity.

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