Sangay Tashi, a curator at the Taa Dzong Museum in Trongsa, posts pictures, videos, and information online to promote the Museum. But since recently, he has been careful with his online activities. Having attended a digital literacy programme recently, he is more aware of the risks involved.
“If scammers or hackers alter the documents shared in the public domain, it will be a problem for the Museum. There are also chances of tourists getting the wrong information.”
Like Sangay Tashi, the district ICT office sensitized about 300 individuals – civil servants, monks, police, local government officials, and youth – during the programme.
A health worker, Rinzin Gyalpo, said, “We learned to avail ourselves of the online services such as G2C and identify spam emails and anonymous posts on social media.”
As smartphones and other internet-connected devices become more widespread, people are more exposed to cybercrimes. Many have been falling victims to online scams, frauds and theft of personal information, among others. Against such, a digital literacy programme was initiated across the country as part of the Digital Drukyul Flagship Programme.
“It is high time that the people know how to protect themselves from cybercrimes,” Samuel Pradhan, the district ICT officer, said.
“For instance, banks will never ask for one-time password (OTP). But people provide the information to hackers and fall prey to online traps.”
The digital literacy programme in Trongsa began in April this year. Officials plan to conduct the programme for the district’s rural population after the Local Government Elections.
Passang, Trongsa
Edited by Sonam Wangdi
