In today’s digital landscape, user safety has become a critical priority. It’s no longer enough to create a functional product—digital platforms must ensure they are secure, transparent, and user-friendly to maintain the confidence of their users. This requires not only the development of clear, adaptable policies but also the integration of safety features directly into product design from the start.

As online risks—such as cyber threats, misinformation, and privacy breaches—continue to rise, Trust and Safety frameworks are now essential for protecting both users and brands. India, with a population of 1.45 billion people, faces a particularly high demand for robust digital safety measures. The internet is widely consumed, including by children, leading to growing concerns about their online security.

User data, privacy, and safety are at constant risk, and breaches can damage not only individuals but also the reputation of companies. For this reason, platforms must prioritize both user protection and their brand integrity. Unfortunately, many organizations still fail to recognize the importance of dedicated Trust and Safety teams, leaving gaps in security that should not be overlooked.


As a leader in advocating for online safety in India, we aim to ensure that all users—especially children, parents, and underserved communities—are protected from the growing risks in the digital world, including cybercrime, misinformation, and online exploitation.




It’s been quite a journey if we talk about Trust and Safety in India. We are one of the prime voices in India vocalising the needs and requirements of digital users on the ground. Back in 2020, we were part of the Trust and Safety Council at Twitter (now X) where we contributed our efforts from the Indian lens. Sadly the Council was dissolved after the changes in the company. Over the years we have instilled the concept of Trust & Safety in our programs and initiatives to have a larger impact. Our prime focus on user safety is through the awareness programs that we do on the ground.



In 2023, Amitabh Kumar, Pratishtha Arora, Arnika Singh, and Vikram Singh joined the Trust and Safety Professionals Association Network to enhance their understanding of the industry's functionality. This membership allowed the team to expand their knowledge and broaden the scope of their programs and initiatives. By becoming part of this global network, they gained valuable insights and best practices, enabling them to deepen their commitment to creating safer digital spaces.


In 2023, the team had an opportunity to attend TSPA APAC Summit in Singapore. One of the brightest events the team could attend to learn and explore more about T&S. Leading organizations shared their vision and practices on T&S contributing to the global discussion.

• First-ever international travel of all the team members.
• 1 day, 800+ participants and experts under one roof.
• Key themes: Online Safety, Content Moderation, Misinformation, Disinformation, Human Trafficking, Child Exploitation.

• Trust & Safety needs more prominence in India.
• More focused policies and community standards which fit the Indian norms.
• Safety by Design is the core when we talk of products and the digital safety of users.
• There is a need to carry out intense research to understand the needs and requirements of the field.
• More recognition on India as the market is growing with the highest consumption of digital services.

The beginning of 2024 marked a very important initiative ‘Trust and Safety Talks.’ This is a series of informal yet insightful conversations with global experts who have pioneered the field of trust and safety. These talks are designed to bridge the gap between the growing concerns in the digital space and the relatively small number of professionals dedicated to addressing them. At Social & Media Matters, we recognize the urgent need for more dialogue and collaboration around these critical issues, as online safety becomes increasingly complex with the rise of misinformation, cybercrime, and digital exploitation.

The Trust & Safety Talks were initiated to bring together a diverse range of thought leaders, practitioners, and policymakers to share their knowledge and experiences. By fostering open conversations, we aim to build a strong, informed community that is actively engaged in developing innovative solutions to the ever-evolving challenges in the digital world.

The first season comprising 30 experts began in January 2024 with Katie Harbath as our first expert. Watch full S&MM TALKS series with our experts.

Save the Children

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
To Build a world in which every child has the right to survival, protection, development, and participation

CHILD RIGHTS AND YOU

Arpan

Aarambh India

Child Help Foundation

ActionAid

World Vision

iVolunteer

Faith Foundation

SNEHA

We are honoured to be members of esteemed institutions and organizations that are at the forefront of promoting digital safety, and we deeply value the opportunity to collaborate on critical trust and safety issues. Our commitment to advocating for user safety aligns seamlessly with their mission to address challenges such as misinformation, online harm, and content authenticity. Together, we work towards creating a safer, more secure, and trustworthy digital world for all.

We are committed to creating a safer online environment and invite you to help us by reporting any problematic content you encounter on social media. Our new form and dedicated website section allow you to easily report such content, ensuring swift action is taken to address it. Your participation is crucial in combating inappropriate or harmful content, contributing to a safer digital space for everyone. Rest assured, your report will remain completely anonymous. Your privacy and security are our top priorities. By reporting, you help us identify and remove harmful content, making social media a safer place for all users. Thank you for your support in creating a positive online community.

#KeepItReal is an initiative that envisages to curb the menace of Fake News and Misinformation. As India approaches its national elections in 2024 make the #KeepItReal effort is all the more important. Distorting public opinion, manipulating voter behaviour, and undermining the political process are all ways in which false information presents a serious danger to the stability of our democratic system. The goal of the #KeepItReal campaign is to prevent citizens from being misled by spreading false information by encouraging them to think critically and share only credible sources. Through this effort, we hope to ensure that all individuals have access to accurate information and are given the tools they need to actively engage in the election process, upholding the core values of democracy: openness, equality, and informed choice.

The idea behind the movement known as #KeepItReal is to combat the ever-increasing problem of misinformation and fake news by bringing people together to share their experiences and educate others.

It is crucial to encourage media literacy, critical thinking, and fact-checking as means to lessen the influence of false information. Combating the transmission and effect of erroneous information may be aided by encouraging individuals to check information from credible sources, cultivating a culture of skepticism, and promoting responsible sharing and consumption of information.












Under this initiative, our aim is to connect with first time voters, for which we have three pillars of the program.


In 2024, approximately 17.5 crore of the population will be young voters who will be voting for the first time. It is necessary to understand the ideologies of our young minds about Fake News and Misinformation. To carry this out, we will be conducting nationwide research, collaborating with schools, colleges, and Universities. We will share our research form and collect responses from young minds on their experiences with misinformation and fake news. The results of the study will help us put together the responses and present them to the responsible authorities.

To conduct this study, we will follow the steps below:

• Identify Research Areas: Determine specific aspects of misinformation in India, such as its sources, dissemination patterns, and impact on society.
• Form Partnerships: Collaborate with academic institutions, research organisations, fact checking organisations, and experts in the field of misinformation to conduct in-depth research.
• Gather Data: Collect relevant data through surveys, expert interviews, and analysis of online platforms.
• Analyse Findings: Interpret the collected data and identify trends, patterns, and insights related to misinformation in India.
• Publish And Share Results: Disseminate your research findings through reports, articles, and presentations to raise awareness and contribute to the public discourse on misinformation.

We have created a form in regional languages to record responses of Citizens of India. Click here: ENGLISH, HINDI, TELUGU, PUNJABI, ODIYA, MARATHI and MALYALAM.


Workshops can educate students about the concept of media literacy, helping them understand how news and information are created, disseminated, and consumed. This process offers interactive activities that engage students actively in the learning process. Hands-on exercises, group discussions, and role-playing scenarios can help students understand the impact of fake news and misinformation on society and develop critical thinking skills. It can also help students become agents of change by providing them with the tools they need to properly navigate the digital world, analyse information critically, and make informed decisions. Therefore, we will be conducting a series of workshops with students pan-India to draw the importance of ethical responsibility and digital citizenship. Students will be encouraged to be responsible consumers and sharers of information, promoting accurate and reliable content while avoiding the spread of misinformation.


In order to effectively counteract disinformation and false news, awareness programmes that address the underlying reasons (a lack of knowledge, critical thinking abilities, and information literacy) are needed. Campaigns are crucial in debunking false narratives and developing a more educated and responsible society because they raise awareness and equip individuals with the resources they need to do so. We will promote the campaign through various social media platforms, websites, blogs, and other channels to disseminate your messages. Engage influencers, organisations, and community leaders to amplify your campaign. We will also Track the reach and impact of your campaign using metrics like engagement, shares, and feedback. Make adjustments as needed to optimise effectiveness.


Social Media Matters has been diligently working to foster a culture of fact-checking in India. Our impactful research, including the "Don't Be a Fool" study conducted prior to the 2019 national election, along with our comprehensive survey on the spread of misinformation during the pandemic, have played a pivotal role in driving this crucial initiative forward.

In addition, we have been conducting capacity-building workshops across India and Bhutan, engaging school children, college students, and field reporters. These workshops serve as invaluable platforms for empowering participants with essential skills and knowledge, equipping them to navigate the challenges posed by misinformation in their respective domains.

As the countdown to the 2024 national elections commences, we are gearing up with renewed vigor, deploying a diverse range of methodologies to mitigate the harmful impact of misinformation. Our comprehensive approach aims to safeguard the integrity of the upcoming elections. In this endeavor, we are actively seeking support and collaboration from multiple organizations to collectively achieve our mission of combating misinformation and upholding the democratic process.

Our initiative will be implemented in close collaboration with esteemed organizations such as the Election Commission of India, MEITY, PIB, Ministry of information and broadcasting.

We also conducted a series of research previously in the last elections and the outcome was tremendous.


We are open to collaboration with schools, colleges, and universities on this mission, as we believe that young minds need direction, and it becomes our responsibility to make them aware of their rights and duties. If you want us to conduct a session at your educational institution, then please provide the details in the given form..