Overview On February 10, 2026 , during the Safer Internet Day programme titled ‘Smart Technology, Safe Choices and Safe and Responsible Use of AI’ at the Abdul Nazeer Auditorium, Mysuru Zilla Panchayat, key officials warned citizens about the perils of downloading apps from unofficial sources, AI‑enabled fraud, and the mental‑health impact of excessive internet use. The statements by Inspector Nandish Kumar , Additional Deputy Commissioner B. C. Shivananda Murthy and Senior Technical Director Sangeetha Manjunath (NIC) are crucial for understanding India’s cyber‑security landscape and its governance challenges. Key Developments Official App Stores Only: Inspector Nandish Kumar urged citizens to download applications exclusively from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store , highlighting risks such as malware, data theft, device performance degradation, and financial loss from unofficial sources. AI‑Powered Fraud Awareness: Kumar cautioned that artificial intelligence can make fraudulent schemes more convincing, necessitating heightened vigilance, especially against AI‑generated deepfakes and deceptive content circulating on platforms like Instagram Reels. Youth Digital Health Concerns: Additional Deputy Commissioner B. C. Shivananda Murthy emphasized the adverse mental‑health effects of excessive internet and mobile phone usage among children, linking it to increased stress, cardiovascular issues, and erosion of social values. Important Facts Cyber‑fraud Scale: Recent incidents in Mysuru City involve frauds amounting to several crores of rupees, with victims often sharing OTPs or confidential information on social media. Rise in Malicious Content: Forwarding of suspicious links and AI‑generated content has surged, prompting officials to recommend the use of privacy settings and the cyber‑crime helpline 1930 for reporting. UPSC Relevance This episode intersects with multiple strands of the UPSC syllabus. In GS Paper II, it relates to e‑governance, cyber‑law, and digital security policies , including the Information Technology Act and recent amendments. GS Paper III covers emerging technologies, AI ethics, and their societal impact , providing a case study on AI‑enabled fraud. The discussion on youth mental health ties into GS Paper II’s focus on social welfare, health, and education . Potential question angles include: evaluating the effectiveness of current cyber‑security frameworks, assessing AI’s dual role in development and fraud, and proposing policy measures for safe digital consumption among children. Way Forward Policymakers should strengthen regulatory oversight of app marketplaces, promote public awareness campaigns in schools, and integrate AI‑ethics modules into the National Cyber Security Strategy. Enhancing the capacity of the cyber‑crime helpline 1930 , coupled with stricter enforcement against illicit app distributors, can mitigate financial losses. Simultaneously, a multi‑sectoral approach involving health, education, and technology ministries is essential to address the mental‑health repercussions of excessive digital exposure among youth.