Govt to ensure technologies are available to tackle cyber crime: CM

“I can assure you that as a government we will now take measures aggressively to ensure legally possible or admissible technologies available are put in place,” Sangma said.

The chief minister was addressing at a seminar on the theme – ‘Journalistic Ethics in the Digital Age’ organized by the Shillong Press Club as part of the National Press Day celebration held in the city on Friday.

After listening to the paper presentations on cyber crime and cyber laws, he said he was scared, surprised and really concern especially when it comes to cyber crimes and realised that as a state government there is a lot more that needs to be done.

“I realise how important it is today to ensure that proper mechanisms, laws and technologies are put in place so that (we enhanced) our digital information and all these crimes committed can be stopped to a large extend,” Sangma stated.

Referring to the violent protest at Motphran area which took place earlier this year, the chief minister said, “We faced a lot of difficult times in stopping or filtering news simply because techonology was not available with us to do that and we were not prepared. People were upset when we stop the internet. It was a wake up call and a lot of steps have been taken but they are not enough.”

Stating that fake news is a major concern, Sangma said there is need to create awareness among the people keeping in mind that the digital world is so dynamic which makes it impossible to have any kind of law that will be able curb it.

While asserting the need for people to responsible (while using the internet), he also urged the media to build up a reputation and a system of trust.

Talking about the positive aspect of the digital age, the chief minister said we are taking advantage of technology and use it in communicating the ideas, works and programmes of the government.

“Today we are looking at how a platform could be created for villages to be put into a next level and connect them to the outside world and how technology could be used,” he said.

According to him, the opportunities exist in the digital world today must also be harnessed by media sector.

The chief minister also informed the government is in the process of taking up issues and problems faced by the press fraternity in the state.

In his speech, Minister in-charge Information and Public Relations AL Hek said the media plays a vital role in building up the nation. He however urged the media to be a constructive instrument rather than destructive.

Earlier in his paper presentation, CR Projects CEO Christopher Rani, who is also a cyber crime expert, spoke at length about cyber crimes, violations and preventive measures.

Pointing out at the crime committed on social media especially in term of fake news through fake identity, Rani suggested the need for media to have a cyber column to clarify on such news.

“The Meghalaya police should share with the media that such news have been filtered from such (social media) forum and that it is not true,” he said.

Meanwhile, chief minister also distributed prizes to the winners of the different competitions which include carom board and futsal organized as part of the press week to mark the celebration of 25^th year milestone of the Shillong Press Club.

By Our Reporter