On Tuesday, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs announced a collaboration with technology firm Meta to launch a new consumer awareness initiative titled “Be an Empowered Consumer.” This campaign aims to bolster digital literacy and enhance protection for consumers navigating online spaces.
The initiative was introduced by Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi alongside Meta’s Chief Global Affairs Officer Joel Kaplan. It will operate within the framework of the already established “Jago Grahak Jago” (Wake Up Consumer) campaign, as stated in an official release.
“Raising consumer awareness is vital for ensuring a sustainable and secure digital experience,” Minister Joshi noted during the launch event. He emphasized that this partnership would extend consumer protection efforts to more remote regions of the country.
The campaign will primarily educate Indians on identifying online threats while promoting safer digital practices. Key topics will include the use of strong passwords, the importance of verifying online information, and how to report suspicious activities effectively.
In addition, the Minister revealed a separate initiative called “GrahakNyay,” developed in collaboration with IIT Bombay and supported by Meta. This project utilizes Meta’s Llama 2 language model to create a chatbot focused on consumer rights, aimed at improving access to information and streamlining the grievance filing process.
Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare stated that the chatbot would enable smooth complaint registration and a more efficient resolution of issues.
Kaplan remarked, “At Meta, we believe that AI can empower individuals to protect themselves and stay informed. By enhancing accessibility to AI, we hope to boost consumer awareness, facilitate complaint processes, and equip individuals with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions online.”
This partnership aligns with ongoing efforts by India’s consumer protection authorities to tackle challenges in the digital marketplace, addressing issues such as misleading advertisements, unfair trade practices, and consumer risks associated with e-commerce transactions.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
