Rashmika Mandanna, star of movies such as "Geetha Govindam", "Sarileru Neekevvaru", and "Bheeshma", has been entrusted with a crucial responsibility by the Ministry of Home Affairs. She has been appointed as the National Ambassador for Cybersecurity, a role aimed at raising awareness about the growing digital threats across the nation.
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Center (I4C), operating under the Home Ministry, selected Mandanna to lead initiatives that promote safe online practices and educate the public about the dangers lurking in cyberspace.
Cybersecurity Focus Amid Rising Threats
Mandanna's appointment comes at a time when cybercrime is escalating in India, with incidents of online fraud, hacking, deepfake videos, and cyberbullying on the rise. The digital age has brought convenience, but it has also exposed individuals and businesses to sophisticated cyberattacks. Mandanna's role as an ambassador is designed to address these issues head-on, through nationwide campaigns that aim to protect citizens from falling victim to these online threats.
Personal Experience Fuels Her Mission
What makes this appointment even more significant is Mandanna’s personal experience with cybercrime. Last year, the actress found herself at the centre of a controversy when a deepfake video, falsely portraying her, surfaced online. The AI-generated video caused her distress, and she became the target of malicious trolling. Though the video was later proven to be fake, the incident deeply impacted her, making her more aware of the darker side of the digital world.
Motivated by her own ordeal, Mandanna has now embraced the mission to educate others about the dangers of deepfakes, cyberbullying, and other forms of online manipulation. "As someone who’s experienced its impact, I believe it’s time for stricter measures to protect our online world," she stated.
"Let me and the Government of India help you — report cybercrimes by calling 1930 or visiting cybercrime.gov.in," she added.
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Campaigns, Initiatives To Spread Awareness
As the National Ambassador for Cybersecurity, Mandanna will lead a series of initiatives to educate the public on how to stay safe online. These campaigns will address various cyber risks, including identity theft, phishing attacks, hacking, and AI-generated malicious content. She aims to empower people with the knowledge and tools to recognise cyber threats and take necessary precautions.
She has already taken to social media to speak out about her experience and urge people to be vigilant about the digital content they consume and share. Mandanna’s connection to the cause makes her an authentic and relatable figure to lead the country’s fight against cybercrime.
A United Effort
With cybercrime rates continuing to soar, Mandanna’s involvement is a step forward in the government’s ongoing efforts to curb the growing menace of digital threats. Her voice and influence are expected to resonate with a broad audience, especially the younger generation, encouraging them to be more cautious and responsible in their online interactions.
Mandanna’s message is clear: protecting our digital space requires collective action, and through her new role, she hopes to inspire millions to join the fight against cybercrime.