Gujarat: India’s First AI Chatbot to Fight Cybercrime launched by Surat Police

Surat : The Surat City Police has just introduced “Surat Cyber Mitra,” an AI-powered chatbot, as a groundbreaking measure to tackle the growing menace of cybercrime in the country. This pioneering endeavour seeks to empower individuals with immediate access to vital information and assistance, safeguarding them against online deception and enabling them to report dubious behaviour.

“Precaution is synonymous with caution,” said Surat Cyber Crime ACP AP Gohil, at the launch of the chatbot. “Surat Cyber Mitra exemplifies our dedication to establishing Surat as a city that prioritises cybersecurity.” Individuals residing in India have the ability to establish a connection with the chatbot by initiating a conversation using the WhatsApp number 93285-23417 with the word ‘Hi’.

The chatbot operates continuously, serving as an unmanned information centre, offering residents extensive knowledge on cyber security that is easily accessible. If users come across cyber fraud, the chatbot promptly provides actionable measures and assists them in registering a report.

However, Surat Cyber Mitra have skills that go much beyond fundamental information. Users have the ability to report instances of unsolicited and unwanted calls, emails, and links that are considered spam. They can also get valuable information and suggestions on how to avoid financial and social media fraud. Additionally, users may take action by initiating complaint processes for cases of social media fraud. They can also acquire knowledge about social media privacy settings and even obtain contact details for their local police station.

The chatbot provides its services in three languages, namely Gujarati, Hindi, and English, in order to accommodate a wide range of users. This guarantees the availability and inclusiveness of the important resources, ensuring that everyone has the chance to profit from them.

This project is the most recent inclusion of Surat’s “Cyber Safe Surat” programme, which is a comprehensive endeavour to counteract the increasing prevalence of cybercrime in the era of digital technology. The programme effectively informs individuals about internet hazards using many programmes, including as the “Cyber SAFE Surat” audiobook and the “Cyber Sanjeevni Rath” mobile outreach vehicle.

“The introduction of Surat Cyber Mitra represents a noteworthy achievement in India’s efforts to combat cybercrime,” said ACP Gohil. Through the use of artificial intelligence, the Surat Police has provided residents with a potent instrument, enabling them to traverse the digital environment securely and with assurance. This innovative endeavour serves as an example for other urban areas and regions, showcasing the capacity of technology to establish more protected and reliable virtual societies.