Smart tech, safe choices: why online safety matters more than ever

This week marks Safer Internet Day and with online scams becoming more sophisticated, Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen explains, in her own words, why online safety matters more than ever.

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This week marked Safer Internet Day (10th February) and if there is one thing we should all agree on,it’s this: staying safe online is no longer optional.

From convincing scam messages to fake voices and deepfake videos, the digital world is changing fast - and opportunistic criminals are changing with it.  The technology many of us rely on every day can be used for good, but it can also be used to exploit trust, target the vulnerable and cause real harm, especially to children and young people.

This year’s theme, “Smart tech, safe choices – exploring the safe and responsible use of AI”, could not be more relevant.  Artificial intelligence is now part of everyday life but criminals are increasingly using it too - often in ways that are difficult to spot.

Across County Durham and Darlington we are seeing more online scams which are highly convincing and increasingly personalised.  These scams are designed to rush people into handing over money, personal details or access to accounts before they have time to think.

That is why one simple message matters more than ever: pause, verify, and report.

If something doesn’t feel right, STOP.  Don’t click links or respond under pressure. Check requests through trusted channels, and if you think you’ve been targeted, report it.

A new national Report Fraud service has recently been launched to make it easier to report scams and online fraud.  Every report you make helps the police and partners identify patterns, disrupt organised criminal networks and prevent others from being targeted.

Online safety is not just about scams.  It is also about protecting children and young people from exploitation, abuse and harmful content.

As Police and Crime Commissioner, I see the impact that unsafe online spaces can have on children’s wellbeing, behaviour and mental health.  Social media can expose young people to bullying, grooming, misogynistic content, and criminal exploitation at an age when they are least equipped to manage those risks.

That is why I, alongside other Police and Crime Commissioners from across England and Wales, have lent our support to calls to provide stronger protections for children online, including restricting social media access to those aged over 16.

Locally, I welcome the work of our MPs, who have been vocal in pushing for better online protections for children and young people.  It reflects what I see nationally - when it comes to keeping people safe, collaboration matters more than party labels.

Much of the work PCCs do,happens quietly and collaboratively across political lines.  We work together, share evidence and support each other to tackle emerging threats From online exploitation to fraud and serious organised crime, we focus on supporting victims and preventing crime.

Safer Internet Day reminds us that staying safe online is a shared responsibility.  By pausing, checking and reporting concerns,we can all play a part in protecting ourselves and others.

I would also encourage you to sign up to receive the FREE Keep in the Know alerts (www.keepintheknow.co.uk) to help you prevent crime and falling victim to fraud and scam.

Getting timely, trusted information can make all the difference and help us make the communities of County Durham and Darlington safer, stronger and more resilient to crime.  Smart tech needs smart choices and staying informed is one of the simplest and more effective steps we can make.

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