Tag: Digital Safety

Events in Goa

Goa Police Hackathon 2025 to Launch with 36 Teams Tackling 9 Real-World Policing Challenges

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa Police will officially launch the third edition of its Hackathon on 1st September 2025, inviting students from across the state to craft innovative tech solutions to real-world policing challenges. The event is expected to witness the enthusiastic participation of 36 teams, each taking on one of 9 carefully crafted problem statements related to law enforcement, crime detection, and civic safety.

As the role of technology in policing continues to expand—from data analytics to surveillance and cybercrime response—Goa Police aims to forge meaningful collaborations between young innovators and the law enforcement ecosystem. This Hackathon will not just target students from IT backgrounds; it will remain open to all disciplines, encouraging cross-functional approaches to problem-solving in public safety.

The process will begin with online registration and abstract submission, with a deadline set for 8th September 2025 at 11:59 PM. Each team, consisting of 2 to 4 members, will be required to submit a two-page abstract outlining their selected problem statement, proposed tech solution, core features, rationale for selection, and any relevant experience. Teams shortlisted based on this abstract will be announced by 14th September 2025.

These finalists will then participate in an intense, round-the-clock Hackathon session scheduled from 7:00 PM on 19th September to 7:00 PM on 21st September 2025. Over the 48-hour sprint, teams will develop working prototypes and present their solutions to a jury comprising police officials, tech experts, and civic leaders.

Each of the 9 problem statements will carry a cash prize of ₹50,000. More importantly, winning ideas may stand a chance to be developed further and implemented in real policing workflows, making this not just a competition but a potential gateway to real-world impact.

Through this initiative, Goa Police reaffirms its commitment to building smarter, tech-enabled law enforcement practices. From tackling cybercrime and digital forensics to enabling predictive policing and intelligent surveillance, the Hackathon will serve as a testing ground for tomorrow’s policing solutions.

By engaging students directly, Goa Police hopes to inspire a culture of civic-tech collaboration, where the next generation of coders, analysts, and innovators take part in shaping safer communities.

Final presentation and award ceremony details will be announced soon. Goa Police invites all eligible students to participate in this mission-driven opportunity to use their skills for public good and contribute to the future of law enforcement in India.

Social Media

YouTube Uses AI to Identify Underage Users—Even If They Lie About Their Age

allycaralgoa

U.S., July 2025 — YouTube is taking a bold step in online safety by introducing AI-powered tools that attempt to identify users under 18 years old—even if those users have entered a false age on their profile.

The AI system analyzes visual data, such as facial features from uploaded videos or thumbnails, and behavioral patterns to estimate a user’s actual age. If the system suspects a user is underage, content restrictions designed for minors will automatically be applied, overriding the user’s declared age.

Why This Matters

YouTube’s goal is to ensure a safer online environment for teenagers and children who may otherwise be exposed to mature or harmful content. The move is part of a larger trend among tech platforms facing increasing regulatory pressure to safeguard young users.

The platform has already introduced default privacy settings for accounts under 18 and limitations on targeted advertising. This AI tool adds another layer of protection—but not without controversy.

Privacy Concerns Surface

Critics argue the use of AI in this manner raises serious questions about user privacy, accuracy, and algorithmic bias.

  • How is the data being processed and stored?
  • What about false positives?
  • Could older users be wrongly flagged as minors?

While YouTube insists the data remains secure and is used solely for safety purposes, digital rights organizations are calling for more transparency and user control.

A Glimpse Into the Future

This development signals a larger shift in how tech platforms use AI to enforce policies beyond what users explicitly input. The implications could extend into other areas like e-commerce, gaming, and social networking.

As AI increasingly mediates our online experiences, the balance between safety and surveillance will remain a hot topic.

📖 For more updates on tech, privacy, and digital policy, visit allycaral.com

Human Interest

YouTube Raises Live Streaming Age Limit to 16 Amid Growing Safety Concerns

allycaralgoa

YouTube has officially updated its live streaming policy, raising the minimum age requirement from 13 to 16 years old. This significant change, announced as part of the platform’s ongoing efforts to create a safer environment for young users, reflects the increasing challenges of moderating live content and protecting minors in real time.

Previously, users aged 13 and above could stream live content, provided they had no prior violations and adhered to community guidelines. However, YouTube now believes that allowing live broadcasts from such young users poses increased risks — including exposure to inappropriate interactions, online harassment, and pressure to engage with large audiences before they’re developmentally ready.

According to YouTube’s update, users under 16 will still be able to post videos and Shorts, but live streaming capabilities will be restricted to those 16 and older, unless they’re supervised or part of approved educational or family content channels.

Why the Change?

This policy adjustment aligns with mounting global pressure on tech companies to prioritize child safety and adopt more stringent rules around minors on social media. YouTube, in particular, has faced scrutiny in the past over how it handles youth content, monetization, and privacy.

“We’re committed to protecting our youngest users,” a YouTube spokesperson stated. “Raising the age for live streaming is part of our broader mission to ensure YouTube remains a safe and positive space for creators of all ages.”

What It Means for Young Creators

  • Creators aged 13–15 will no longer have access to go live independently.
  • Channels operated by families or under YouTube Kids policies may still apply for exceptions.
  • The policy does not affect other video uploads or Shorts.

The change is already being implemented and is expected to roll out fully in the coming weeks. While some young content creators may be disappointed, many experts and digital safety advocates have welcomed the move as a much-needed update in a rapidly evolving online environment.

For a platform with billions of users worldwide, this new age threshold represents another step toward balancing creativity with responsibility.

TechPulse

Cyber Crime Awareness Workshop Empowers Akashvani Staff in Panaji, Goa

allycaralgoa

June 19, 2025, Panaji, Goa : In a proactive step toward building digital resilience, a Cyber Crime Awareness Workshop was successfully conducted for the staff of Akashvani, Panaji (All India Radio) on June 19, 2025. The session, aimed at equipping participants with vital knowledge on cybersecurity threats and best practices, was led by Mr. Rohir Naik, CEO & Digital Business Expert at Coderix, who served as the Guest Speaker.

With cybercrime incidents on the rise across industries and sectors, this workshop served as a timely initiative. Mr. Naik addressed the fast-evolving landscape of cyber threats—ranging from phishing scams and data breaches to ransomware attacks and social engineering techniques. Through real-world examples and interactive discussions, he emphasized the importance of digital hygiene, strong password practices, multi-factor authentication, and staying vigilant in the digital realm.

Participants gained crucial insights into:

  • Recognizing and responding to phishing and malware attacks
  • Safe browsing habits and email security
  • Protecting personal and professional data on digital platforms
  • The importance of regular software updates and backups
  • Legal implications of cybercrime under the IT Act

Mr. Naik also shed light on how organizations can implement basic cybersecurity frameworks, promote awareness among teams, and build a culture of digital responsibility.

“In today’s hyperconnected world, every individual is a potential target—and a potential line of defense. Awareness is not just important, it’s essential,” said Mr. Naik during the session.

The workshop was met with enthusiastic participation from the Akashvani staff, who appreciated the practical tips and clear, jargon-free approach. It concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where attendees voiced concerns and shared their experiences with cyber challenges.

Why It Matters:
In a media and broadcasting environment where digital workflows are increasingly prevalent, safeguarding systems and data integrity is paramount. Sessions like these are a vital step in ensuring that employees are not only informed but empowered to act against cyber threats proactively.

The initiative reflects Akashvani Panaji’s commitment to staying future-ready and fostering a cyber-aware workplace culture.

About the Speaker:
Mr. Rohir Naik is a seasoned digital business expert and the CEO of Coderix, a technology-driven company that champions digital literacy, transformation, and cyber safety across organizations in India. His expertise spans across IT strategy, cybersecurity, and digital innovation.