A formidable alliance of major digital service providers and telecom companies has come together to form the Safer Internet India (SII) coalition, an initiative aimed at combating rising cyber threats, promoting responsible AI use, and enhancing digital safety. This coalition unites key industry leaders, including Airtel, BOOM, Dream Sports, Fortinet, Google, Meta, Microsoft, Newschecker, Shiprocket, Truecaller, Vodafone Idea, and Zupee, to counter fraud, scams, and digital risks that pose a growing challenge to Indian internet users.

India’s rapid digital expansion has positioned it as a significant target for cyber threats. Following the pandemic, the country emerged as the second most cyber-attacked nation globally, with risks escalating as more users join the digital ecosystem. The next wave of internet users, projected to be around 600 million, is particularly susceptible to online fraud and scams. The SII coalition seeks to devise preventive strategies, foster intelligence-sharing, and collaborate with stakeholders to reinforce security and trust in India’s digital landscape.

Industry leaders have underscored the importance of a collaborative approach to tackle these issues effectively. Rahul Vatts, Chief Regulatory Officer at Airtel, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to reducing spam and fraud, highlighting its SPAM-fighting network launched in 2024, which detects over a million unique spammers daily. Meta’s Vice President of Public Policy, Shivnath Thukral, stressed the significance of industry cooperation in addressing online scams, stating that collective efforts can enhance user awareness and fraud prevention.

Microsoft’s Group General Counsel, Jyoti Pawar, pointed to India’s increasing adoption of Generative AI, citing findings from the Microsoft Global Online Safety Survey 2025, where 65% of Indian respondents reported using GenAI—more than double the global average. She emphasized the need for responsible AI practices and strengthened cybersecurity collaboration. Meanwhile, Truecaller CEO Rishit Jhunjunwala identified fraud and unwanted communication as persistent challenges, underscoring the necessity for a coordinated industry response.

The coalition will focus on intelligence sharing, awareness campaigns, and policy deliberations to mitigate cyber risks. By consolidating sectoral insights and analyzing behavioral trends, SII aims to work closely with government bodies and civil society organizations to enhance digital security. The initiative is expected to facilitate early warning systems and establish best practices for internet safety. Koan Advisory Group, a public policy firm, serves as the secretariat for the coalition.