Mumbai: In a decisive move to address the escalating wave of cybercrime in India, WHT NOW, a leading digital safety movement, has launched its National Youth Ambassador Program — a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at empowering India’s students to act as digital first responders on campus. The program will train over 5,000 students by the end of 2025, creating a youth-led national safety network in response to the rising crisis of online abuse.
Recent figures from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) indicate a 24.4% increase in cybercrime this year, with over 65,000 FIRs filed — a number believed to be a fraction of actual cases, as countless victims, particularly women and minors, remain silent due to fear, stigma, or lack of awareness.
“This is not just an initiative; it’s a national movement,” said Neeti Goel, Founder of WHT NOW. “We are witnessing an epidemic of silence around online abuse. Our aim is to equip the youth with knowledge, courage and community — because only they can change the digital narrative from fear to empowerment.”
Each Youth Ambassador will be trained in cyber law, digital ethics, reporting mechanisms, and psychological first aid. The program will also establish Digital Safety Cells on campuses to provide peer support, conduct awareness drives, and facilitate immediate action in cases of cyber threats.
The initiative is supported by a diverse team of cybersecurity experts, legal professionals, and mental health specialists. These mentors will guide ambassadors through interactive workshops, case studies, and real-time simulations designed to prepare them for on-ground realities.
Akshat Khetan, Co-Founder and Legal Strategist, emphasized: “Many victims freeze in confusion when cyber abuse occurs. By placing trained youth on the ground, we are establishing a structured, peer-led response system that offers guidance and immediate support.”
At the helm of the movement is Aneka Goel, appointed as Global Youth Ambassador. Aneka will lead the national campaign, coordinating youth efforts across universities in India and representing the cause internationally.
“I’m not here to speak for others — I’m here to speak with them,” Aneka said. “We need to meet digital threats with empathy, knowledge and unity. This program is about standing up together and making sure no young person faces the online world alone.”
Over 40 academic institutions have already joined hands with WHT NOW, and pilot chapters are underway. The program is set to officially launch in May 2025, with a nationwide campus tour, signing of university MoUs, and the release of a digital safety toolkit for students and faculty.
To extend support beyond campuses, WHT NOW has introduced a dedicated national helpline: +91-9019115115, offering immediate assistance for victims of cyber abuse, harassment, or online threats.
With 850+ million internet users, India is one of the world’s most digitally connected nations. Yet, digital safety education remains limited within formal systems. WHT NOW’s vision is to bridge this gap by placing empowered youth at the forefront of change — as educators, mentors, and defenders of safe digital spaces.
"Cybercrime is not just a tech issue — it’s a social, emotional, and legal crisis. The only sustainable solution is youth-led change,” Goel added.
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