Ministry of Consumer Affairs Partners with Meta to Launch ‘Be an Empowered Consumer’ Campaign

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has partnered with Meta to launch the “Be an Empowered Consumer” campaign. The initiative aims to improve digital literacy and protect online consumers in India. It will educate people on recognizing online risks, using strong passwords, verifying information, and reporting suspicious activity. The campaign operates under the government’s “Jago Grahak Jago” program. Additionally, a new AI-driven project developed with IIT Bombay and supported by Meta will introduce “GrahakNyay,” a chatbot powered by Meta’s Llama 2 model. The chatbot will help consumers access information about their rights and simplify the complaint filing process.

Ministry of Consumer Affairs Partners with Meta to Launch ‘Be an Empowered Consumer’ Campaign

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has joined hands with Meta to launch a new campaign called “Be an Empowered Consumer.” This initiative is part of the government’s “Jago Grahak Jago” (Wake Up Consumer) program and aims to boost digital literacy and protect consumers online. The campaign was announced by Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi and Meta’s Joel Kaplan. Its primary goal is to educate people in India about the risks they may face online and how to stay safe.

The campaign focuses on teaching people how to identify online threats, create strong passwords, verify the accuracy of online information, and report any suspicious activities. With the internet becoming a significant part of everyday life, it is essential for consumers to know how to protect themselves from scams, fraud, and misinformation. The campaign will provide easy-to-understand tips and tools to help people navigate the digital world safely.

As part of this partnership, a new project has been introduced in collaboration with IIT Bombay and supported by Meta. This project uses Meta’s advanced Llama 2 language model to create a chatbot named “GrahakNyay.” The chatbot is designed to help people learn about their consumer rights and make it easier to file complaints if they face any issues. For example, if someone buys a product online and it turns out to be fake or defective, they can use the chatbot to understand their rights and take the necessary steps to resolve the problem.

The “Be an Empowered Consumer” campaign is especially important in today’s world, where more people are shopping online, using digital payments, and relying on the internet for information. While the internet offers many benefits, it also comes with risks like phishing scams, fake websites, and identity theft. Many people, especially those new to the digital world, may not know how to protect themselves. This campaign aims to bridge that gap by providing clear and practical advice.

One of the key messages of the campaign is the importance of using strong passwords. Many people use simple passwords like “123456” or their birthdates, which are easy for hackers to guess. The campaign will teach people how to create strong, unique passwords for their online accounts and why it’s important to change them regularly. It will also encourage people to enable two-factor authentication, which adds an extra layer of security to their accounts.

Another focus area is verifying online information. With so much fake news and misinformation circulating on the internet, it is crucial for consumers to check the accuracy of what they see online. The campaign will provide tips on how to identify reliable sources and avoid falling for scams or false claims. For instance, if someone receives a message claiming they’ve won a prize, they should verify the information before sharing any personal details.

The campaign also emphasizes the importance of reporting suspicious activity. If someone notices something unusual, like a fake website or a phishing attempt, they should report it to the appropriate authorities. This not only helps protect the individual but also prevents others from falling victim to the same scam.

The GrahakNyay chatbot is a major highlight of this initiative. It is designed to be user-friendly and accessible to everyone, even those who are not tech-savvy. The chatbot can answer questions about consumer rights, guide users on how to file complaints, and provide information about government schemes and services. For example, if someone has a problem with an online purchase, they can chat with GrahakNyay to understand their options and get step-by-step guidance on how to resolve the issue.

Overall, the “Be an Empowered Consumer” campaign is a step forward in making the digital world safer and more accessible for everyone. By educating people about online risks and providing tools like the GrahakNyay chatbot, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs and Meta are working together to empower consumers and ensure they can make informed decisions. This initiative is especially important in a country like India, where internet usage is growing rapidly, and many people are still learning how to navigate the digital landscape safely.

In conclusion, the campaign is not just about protecting consumers but also about building confidence in the digital economy. When people feel safe and informed online, they are more likely to embrace digital services, which can lead to greater economic growth and development. With initiatives like this, the government and private companies like Meta are playing a crucial role in creating a safer and more empowered digital future for all.