I participated in a well curated Listening Roundtable hosted by Snap Inc. in partnership with Young Leaders for Active Citizenship in Mumbai. The discussion focused on how teenagers use social media, their consumption patterns, safety frameworks, reporting mechanisms, and concrete steps to strengthen digital safeguards. The curation was thoughtful and deliberate, bringing together experts from education, mental health, child rights, technology, and digital policy.

There was a clear openness to meaningful dialogue. Stakeholders from diverse backgrounds engaged with sincerity, listened carefully to concerns, and demonstrated a firm intent to strengthen safety practices. The presence of teenagers added essential perspective. Their clarity and candour grounded the conversation in real lived experiences, reinforcing the urgency of building systems that genuinely work for young users.

I was assigned the table on When Digital Connections Hurt. This subject sits at the core of our work at the Akancha Srivastava Foundation, where we have trained millions across the country on cyber safety, digital resilience, and harm prevention. Our experience of working closely with law enforcement across India and handling case studies first hand strengthens our understanding of how these harms unfold in real scenarios and what robust interventions are required. Our discussion covered sexting, child grooming, cyber bullying, transparency in reporting processes, and the operational accountability needed to ensure that young people receive timely and effective support when they reach out for help.

A platform with the reach and influence of Snapchat is positioned to set powerful benchmarks for youth safety. With the right design interventions, it can educate users at scale and even cultivate digital heroes within its community who champion responsible behaviour, call out harm, and strengthen a culture of awareness. This potential was evident in the constructive spirit with which the company hosted the roundtable.

Such engagements signal a positive shift toward collaborative safety building. I appreciate the seriousness with which the dialogue was held and look forward to many more forums that bring together young people, experts, and platforms to advance the shared mission of creating safer digital spaces across the country.

The post Snapchat Roundtable On Safer Digital Spaces appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

(Blog by our Founder)

Aptitude Over Attitude: What Truly Matters in Cyber Security

I was asked a curious question at the CISO6 Cyber Security Excellence Awards: “Do men still compete with you in the field of cyber security?”
It made me pause. Not because I was surprised, but because we are in mid-2025 and this question still reflects outdated perceptions.

My answer was clear. If someone is competing with me on knowledge, I welcome it. In fact, I would go one step further and reach out to that individual, ask questions, learn, and grow. That’s the true spirit of excellence. But if someone approaches with a poor attitude or a misplaced sense of superiority, that stance is often short-lived. Because once I begin to speak, any arrogance tends to give way to humility. That is what aptitude does. It levels the field.

We must move beyond gender-led biases. The future of cyber security, or any field for that matter, must be rooted in capability. Skill, discipline, and performance should be our only metrics. The rest is noise. When we sit across the table, engage in critical national work, or solve deeply sensitive digital crimes, no one stops to ask what gender you belong to. They only care about your ability to deliver.

Over the years, I have been deeply privileged to work with some of the most complex challenges in India. I have trained police forces in naxal and terrorism-affected areas. I have conducted workshops with the Indian Army and assisted law enforcement across the country in tackling forensic cybercrime. The reality is that few people, regardless of gender, have had the kind of exposure or ground experience I have had. That’s not arrogance, it’s a fact built on years of hard, silent work.

So when I walk into a room, I do not walk in hoping to be accepted. I walk in to share, to build, to empower. And more often than not, I am met with respect. Sometimes even awe. That’s the power of deep preparation and consistent delivery. Not gender. Not titles. Just sheer knowledge.

And yes, I was also awarded the CISO6 Cyber Security Excellence recognition!

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#AkanchaSrivastavaFoundation, #AkanchaSrivastava, #CyberSecurity, #WomenInTech, #LeadershipInAction, #GenderNeutrality, #DigitalIndia, #NationFirst, #CyberSafetyMatters

The post CISO6 Cyber Security Excellence Awards appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

Eight years ago, Akancha Srivastava Foundation began with a simple mission—to make the digital world safer for everyone. What started as a small initiative has now grown into India’s largest cyber safety movement, impacting countless lives, empowering individuals with knowledge, and standing by those who need help the most.

This journey hasn’t been easy. There have been challenges, tough conversations, and moments that tested our resilience. But it has also been deeply fulfilling—witnessing lives change, hearing stories of strength, and knowing that our work has made a real impact.

Over the years, we have worked alongside law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, and corporate partners to ensure that cyber safety is not just a conversation but a well-structured, actionable effort. From conducting awareness sessions to offering legal guidance, from training officers to supporting victims, every step has been focused on creating a stronger, more secure digital environment.

The rise of sophisticated cyber threats has made this mission more urgent than ever. As the digital world evolves, so must our strategies. We remain committed to expanding our reach, strengthening our support systems, and continuously innovating to stay ahead of emerging risks.

To everyone who has been part of this mission—our experts, law enforcement partners, volunteers, and most importantly, those who trusted us in their most vulnerable moments—thank you. This is not just one person’s journey; it belongs to all of us.

Here’s to continuing the fight for a safer digital future. Eight years down, a lifetime to go!

#ASF8Years #CyberSafetyForAll #India

The post Eight years of safeguarding digital lives! 💙 #ASF8Years appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

We extend our best wishes to IPS Krishna Prakash Sir who was in the role of Special IG VIP Security, and is now promoted to ADG Force One, Maharashtra!

ADG Krishna Prakash Sir has been associated with us for last 6 years & we truly value his guidance in our mission.

Sir’s recent world record for open ocean swimming against drifting waves from Elephanta Caves to Taj Gateway,  first ever person to do so, was another accolade that inspired youth of the nation to be committed towards their fitness and good health.

We look forward to Sir’s continued guidance in our journey.

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!

The post IPS Krishna Prakash Sir Is Now ADG Force One! #AAH appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

As is our advise always on use of social media & exposure to it for children, we reiterate that Moderation in use of #SocialMedia especially by children is important for their #Mentalhealth.  Stop encouraging them to seek validation from strangers.

Specific to Aradhya Bachchan case where she moved High Court to have defaming & false information about her health removed, the court ruled in her favor and ordered removal of such content including videos  speculating on her health. About time media & social media influencers conducted themselves responsibly. Spreading misinformation especially about little children can have very distressing and long term impact on their mind.

Here are few links to the news-

HT- LINK

ET- LINK

Print- LINK

The New Indian Express- LINK

Stay Aware, Stay Safe

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat

The post Our Take On Aradhya Bachchan Case #AAH appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

Kotak Mahindra Withdraws Ad Featuring Tanmay Bhat when Ms Akancha Srivastava, Founder of ‘Akancha Against Harassment’ raised string concerns about Kotak Mahindra Bank ad campaign featuring erstwhile comedian Tanmay Bhat.

Tanmay Bhat was the co founder of AIB, a rather controversial company of equally controversial comedians. During his tenure as the CEO Tanmay had failed to take action against his colleague who was accused of sexual harassment by several women. Tanmay publicly accepted that he was in know of this misconduct & yet failed at acting upon them. He went on to resign from his position and AIB pretty much slipped into oblivion.

Tanmay would often use abusive language & inappropriate tweets via his personal Twitter handle too. This included so called (sick) jokes about sexual assaults on baby girls.

Ms Akancha Srivastava upon seeing the endorsement by Kotak Mahindra Bank, immediately raised this issue. She also put forth the tweets made by Tanmay Bhat, which were objectionable, in fact totally unacceptable. Over the next few hours, her tweet gathered immense support, going viral in India. Several politicians, actors and other influencers supported her stand. Rightly so.

Alleged comedian Kunal Kamra tried to position Tanmay as a ‘victim who is facing atrocities’. Ms Srivastava took a tough stand against this whataboutery. Once more, social media came together is calling out this absolutely frivolous statement by Kamra and supported our views.

Links to the news coverage:

The post Akancha Srivastava Questions Abusive Content By Comedians #AAH appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

Ms Akancha Srivastava, Founder of ‘Akancha Against Harassment’ noticed that Kotak Mahindra Bank had launched a new ad campaign featuring erstwhile comedian Tanmay Bhat.

Tanmay Bhat was the co founder of AIB, a rather controversial company of equally controversial comedians. During his tenure as the CEO Tanmay had failed to take action against his colleague who was accused of sexual harassment by several women. Tanmay publicly accepted that he was in know of this misconduct & yet failed at acting upon them. He went on to resign from his position and AIB pretty much slipped into oblivion.

Tanmay would often use abusive language & inappropriate tweets via his personal Twitter handle too. This included so called (sick) jokes about sexual assaults on baby girls.

Ms Akancha Srivastava upon seeing the endorsement by Kotak Mahindra Bank, immediately raised this issue. She also put forth the tweets made by Tanmay Bhat, which were objectionable, in fact totally unacceptable. Over the next few hours, her tweet gathered immense support, going viral in India. Several politicians, actors and other influencers supported her stand. Rightly so.

As an immediate impact, Kotak Mahindra Bank withdrew the ad campaign featuring Tanmay Bhat within 24 hours.

Links to Stories:

This really is the power of Social media & unity. Thank you for believing in us all these years.

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!

The post Kotak Mahindra Withdraws Ad Featuring Tanmay Bhat #AAH appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

Ms Akancha Srivastava, Founder of ‘Akancha Against Harassment’ noticed that Kotak Mahindra Bank had launched a new ad campaign featuring erstwhile comedian Tanmay Bhat.

Tanmay Bhat was the co founder of AIB, a rather controversial company of equally controversial comedians. During his tenure as the CEO Tanmay had failed to take action against his colleague who was accused of sexual harassment by several women. Tanmay publicly accepted that he was in know of this misconduct & yet failed at acting upon them. He went on to resign from his position and AIB pretty much slipped into oblivion.

Tanmay would often use abusive language & inappropriate tweets via his personal Twitter handle too. This included so called (sick) jokes about sexual assaults on baby girls.

Ms Akancha Srivastava upon seeing the endorsement by Kotak Mahindra Bank, immediately raised this issue. She also put forth the tweets made by Tanmay Bhat, which were objectionable, in fact totally unacceptable. Over the next few hours, her tweet gathered immense support, going viral in India. Several politicians, actors and other influencers supported her stand. Rightly so.

As an immediate impact, Kotak Mahindra Bank withdrew the ad campaign featuring Tanmay Bhat within 24 hours.

TIMES NOW LINK TO STORY HERE

This really is the power of Social media & unity. Thank you for believing in us all these years.

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat

The post Kotak Mahindra Withdraws Ad Featuring Tanmay Bhat #AAH appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

We have the best resources, people & intent, India it’s time to put women and girl child safety into action!

Link- https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/pm-modis-nari-shakti-i-day-speech-female-activists-ask-whats-done-on-ground-for-women

The post Shiksha + Suraksha = Nari Shakti #AAH appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

We have the intention, resources and manpower. Let’s put it into action. There can be no nari shakti without shiksha +suraksha- My view. #AAH #India #IndiaAt75 #News

Link- https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/pms-nari-shakti-speech-activists-question-modi-on-whats-done-on-ground-for-women/articleshow/93572266.cms

The post Let’s Put It Into Action! #AAH #News appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.