India partners with Meta on digital consumer protection initiative

New Delhi: Aimed at enhancing digital literacy and protection for online consumers, the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs on Tuesday announced a partnership with tech company Meta to launch a consumer awareness campaign called "Be an Empowered Consumer." 

The initiative, unveiled by Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi and Meta's Chief Global Affairs Officer Joel Kaplan, will operate under the government's existing "Jago Grahak Jago" (Wake Up Consumer) campaign framework, an official statement said.

The joint campaign ‘Be an Empowered Consumer’ seeks to educate Indians on recognizing online threats and promoting healthy online habits, including the use of strong passwords, verification of online information, and reporting suspicious activity. 

Consumer awareness is key to a sustainable and secure digital experience," Joshi said at the launch event, adding that the collaboration would extend the department's consumer protection efforts to remote areas of the country.

The joint campaign will focus on educating Indians about recognising online threats and promoting better digital safety habits, including using strong passwords, verifying online information, and reporting suspicious activity.

During the announcement, the minister also revealed a separate AI-driven project developed with IIT Bombay and supported by Meta.

The initiative leverages Meta's Llama 2 language model to create "GrahakNyay", a consumer-focused chatbot designed to improve access to information about consumer rights and streamline the complaint filing process.

Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare said the chatbox will ensure seamless complaint filing and resolution of grievances.

The latest initiative is a step in the direction of the Department's efforts towards consumer protection and empowerment through enactment of progressive legislations and launching of technology driven programmes, the Ministry said.

  With the evolution of technology consumers have been rendered vulnerable to new forms of unfair trade and unethical business practices such as misleading advertisements, Tele-marketing, direct selling, e-commerce etc., thereby, requiring appropriate and swift executive interventions to prevent consumer detriment, said a statement from the Ministry.