Keys To A Safer Internet

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by

Hope O.
in

In 2004, when Safer Internet Day was first launched as an initiative of the EU SafeBorders project, our primary concerns revolved around pop-up blockers and basic antivirus software. In 2025, as we mark another Safer Internet Day, we’re navigating a vastly more complex digital landscape with an ongoing struggle for AI primacy between World powers and Big Tech and an era where cybersecurity intersects with mental health, digital citizenship, and global connectivity.

The Evolution of Internet Safety

When the EU’s SafeBorders project initiated Safer Internet Day in 2004, Facebook didn’t exist, smartphones were rare, and the concept of social media addiction was unheard of. The primary focus was protecting children from inappropriate content and teaching basic online safety rules.

Fast forward to 2025, and we’re dealing with sophisticated challenges: deepfake technology, AI-powered scams, digital identity theft, and the intricate balance between privacy and connectivity. The evolution of Internet safety mirrors our global society’s growing digital dependence and the resulting need for more comprehensive protection strategies.

Today’s Digital Safety Landscape

Modern internet safety encompasses several critical areas:

Digital Privacy: Understanding and controlling our digital footprint has become as essential as locking our front door. From encrypted messaging to privacy settings, we’re learning to navigate the delicate balance between sharing and protecting our information.

Cybersecurity Awareness: With remote work becoming permanent for many, distinguishing between legitimate emails and sophisticated phishing attempts is now a crucial life skill. The rise of AI-powered threats has made this even more challenging.

Mental Well-being: Screen time management, social media boundaries, and digital wellness have become integral to internet safety discussions. We’re learning that online safety isn’t just about external threats–it’s also about maintaining healthy digital habits.

Looking Forward: The Next Decade of Internet Safety

As we look ahead, several trends are shaping the future of Internet safety:

Artificial Intelligence Integration: AI will play a dual role–both as a potential threat vector and as a powerful tool for detecting and preventing online risks. Understanding and adapting to AI-driven changes will be crucial for maintaining digital safety.

Digital Citizenship Education: Schools and workplaces are incorporating comprehensive digital literacy programs, recognizing that safe Internet use is as fundamental as reading and writing.

Collaborative Security: The future of internet safety lies in collective responsibility. Companies, governments, and individuals must work together to create safer digital spaces.

Keys To a Safer Internet Today

In their blog post ‘Rethinking safety in a digital world’, the eSafety Youth Council members in Australia, share their perspectives on what a safer internet should be about- “Too often, online safety is perceived as a restriction: limiting what we can do, see, or share. But real safety is about creating conditions where freedom, trust, and wellbeing can thrive.”

The keys to a safer Internet remain better technology, governments, tech companies, and the broader public stepping up to the arduous task, and equally important is what we do as individuals.

This year, Safer Internet Day is being celebrated under the theme of “Together for a Better Internet.” This highlights the importance of collective action in creating an internet community that is safe, inclusive, and empowering for all. To commemorate this day, the team at FolderFort put together an actionable guide any individual can follow to create a safer internet by protecting themselves, their well-being and others:-

Protect Yourself:

  • Choose secure data storage options-At FolderFort, all files are secured using BackBlaze encryption upon upload. So you know your data is not accessible to bad actors
  • Use a password manager and unique passwords
  • Enable two-factor authentication everywhere
  • Keep devices and apps updated
  • Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi
  • Verify before clicking links
  • Be selective about sharing personal info

Protect your well-being:

  • Set screen time limits
  • Create tech-free times in your day
  • Unfollow accounts that make you feel bad
  • Take breaks from social media
  • Monitor your digital habits

Protect others:

  • Think before sharing or posting
  • Report harmful content
  • Stand up against cyberbullying
  • Fact-check before spreading information
  • Practice respectful online behaviour
  • Help less tech-savvy friends and family

Remember: Small consistent actions build a safer internet for everyone. Start with one change today.