Deeply saddened by the news of a 19-year-old young man who committed suicide after being blackmailed with AI-generated fake pornographic images. Likewise, in the USA, a 16-year-old boy ended his life after being targeted by an AI-generated sextortion scam.

With the advent of artificial intelligence, fake news, images, and videos are being widely circulated across the internet; these digital abuses are mounting daily, and many go unreported.

It is essential to address a crucial issue, as digital literacy is vital in today's world. I am perplexed by the actions, or rather the inaction, of the community and parents in this regard. Are we really waiting for the situation to occur before we take action, or is it an unsympathetic attitude of "Ye hamare sath nahi hua to hame kya? (This doesn't happen with us, so why should we care?)" It can happen to anyone at any time.

We need to prepare our children and youth to effectively tackle such situations. We teach our kids that physical contact with strangers is dangerous. We also need to append "digital contact" to it. Digital strangers can also be harmful.

Digital literacy is not merely about the use of AIs. It also involves understanding the possible dangers associated with the use of AI. Unfortunately, the world is surrounded by criminals and abusers who inflict harm on innocent individuals.

We must educate our children about how criminals target victims online and equip them with the knowledge to respond effectively to such situations. We must educate them about the options available to them. It is vital for their safety and mental well-being.

First and foremost, both parents and the government must take measures to understand the severity of digital abuse. Parents must be vigilant and look for behavioural changes in their children. It is also significant for parents to familiarise themselves with the technology and applications used by the younger generation, as they can relate more easily to them when discussing issues related to digital problems. In today's world, parents need to be friends with their children to build trust.

Additionally, the government should mandate schools and colleges to establish committees or appoint digital experts and counsellors who can address the issues faced by students. Lectures and sensitisation programs related to digital consent and boundaries must be taught at the school and college levels.

Children and adolescents need to understand that they can seek help, be it legal or at the community level. While all parents are not the same - some may be rigid, while others are more friendly and flexible- they genuinely want what is best for their children. Therefore, it is essential to approach them for help. If you find that your parents do not understand your problem, consider asking for help from a friend or a reliable person, such as a teacher.

Another valuable resource is the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, an initiative of the Government of India, which facilitates victims/complainants in reporting cybercrime complaints online. The portal covers offences such as hacking, identity theft, online fraud, and cyberbullying (National Cybercrime Reporting Portal). The Information Technology Act, 2000, is the primary law for cybercrime and electronic commerce (Information Technology Act, 2000). The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, establishes a framework to address the issue of data privacy and protection.

Along with the above provisions, cybercrime cells also handle cases involving threats, defamation, extortion, and sexual exploitation. Mainly, FIRs are required for criminal investigations into such cases. There is currently no comprehensive law addressing abuses and misuse of artificial intelligence. Nonetheless, existing laws are applied to address issues related to the misuse of artificial intelligence.

Undoubtedly, life is full of hardships; however, ending life is not a solution. It is crucial for young and beautiful minds that no matter how overwhelming things may seem, there are always alternatives. Embrace life in its fullest form; confront your difficulties with utmost courage. Most importantly, seek out the help and support that surrounds you. There is hope for a brighter and beautiful future.

Please seek help!