Kerala Police has launched a cyber-safety initiative in Kochi that aims to prevent online crimes before they occur and establish cyber-resilience centres in 250 degree colleges across the state. The programme, called CLICK, is intended to build a wider community response to cyber threats, particularly as artificial intelligence makes digital deception more difficult to identify.
Minister Ramesh Chennithala inaugurated the Community Led Initiative for Cyber Resilient Kerala at an event in Kochi. He said the government’s objective was to create a completely cyber-resilient Kerala by 2027, shifting the focus from investigating cybercrimes after they happen to creating preventive safeguards in advance.
The initiative has been designed by the cyber division of Kerala Police. Under the plan, cyber-resilience centres will be established in 250 degree colleges under the leadership of the cyber police. The report did not specify the implementation schedule for each centre, the funding allocation or the operational structure that will govern them.
Speaking at the launch, Chennithala said cybercrimes could not be completely eliminated in the age of artificial intelligence, but effective prevention could limit their impact. The proposed college network is expected to place students and educational institutions within the state’s broader cyber-safety framework.
Actor Mammootty was announced as the police’s cyber-safety captain during the event. Ten selected students were presented with CLICK captain caps by Mammootty. His role, as described at the programme, is linked to public awareness and community participation in cyber-safety efforts.
Mammootty urged parents to guide children carefully in their use of technology. He cautioned against routinely handing over phones to children to stop them from crying or calm them when they are upset, saying that very young children could develop an unhealthy dependence on devices. He also said that society needed to become capable of recognising and confronting cybercrimes.
Mammootty noted that people spend an average of around two and a half hours a day on the internet and warned that artificial intelligence could increase the possibility of misleading people. He said the benefits of the internet depended on its proper use and that its misuse could be reduced through better awareness.
The launch brought together senior police officials, academic leaders and civic representatives, including Police Chief Revada Chandrasekhar, Additional Director General of Police P. Vijayan, police adviser A. Hemachandran, Digital University vice-chancellor Saji Gopinath, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham vice-chancellor Dr P. Venkat Rangan, Mayor V.K. Minimol, South Zone Inspector General P.P. Prakash, Kochi City Police Commissioner R. Nishanthini and Cyber Operations Superintendent Ankit Ashokan. The next formal milestone identified for the initiative is the establishment of cyber-resilience centres in the selected colleges as part of the 2027 target.
