War on cyber cons: Goa police to use memes, reels

Panaji: In an initiative without precedent, Goa police are putting aside grey, bureaucratic warnings about cybercrimes and have turned to vivid content in vogue with the internet generation: reels and memes, and droll comics-style narratives.

Goa police will engage influencers to develop and produce a minimum of 100 unique digital content pieces, including reels, videos, memes, and carousels. In social media, a carousel enables people to add multiple images or videos to one post.

The total budget for the initiative is Rs 30 lakh.

This content is to be published one per day consistently for 100 consecutive days.

The content includes a mix of humorous cybercrime awareness explainers, animation, mime acts, tips delivered in a comedic fashion, and challenges.

Goa police invited agencies for the creative development and execution of Phase 1 of the ‘Cyber Surakshit Goem’ campaign.

“The objective is to raise cybercrime awareness through a humorous, high-engagement digital strategy, incorporating influencer campaigns, comic video content, and multi-platform digital storytelling,” said DySP, central procurement cell, Pravinkumar Vast.

Goa police said that the scope of the work outlines the responsibilities for the successful execution of Phase 1, under the aegis of the department of information and publicity.

“The campaign objective is to create a comprehensive campaign focused on cybercrime prevention, public education, and community engagement through the 100-day digital and on-ground content rollout across Goa,” Vast said.

He said the communication will be aligned with govt messaging and local sensitivities.

Goa police want influencers to design and run interactive digital challenges like ‘Cyber Smart Goemkar’ quizzes, polls, and ‘Scam Spotting’ meme contests.

“Influencers have to manage engagement, replies, and DMs professionally throughout the 100 days,” Goa police said.

The content will be available in English, Konkani, and Hindi as appropriate, using culturally relatable scripts and characters.

Goa police said that the influencers have to maintain a professional digital footprint on designated platforms (Instagram, YouTube Shorts, and Facebook) and distribute content organically and through boosted posts when necessary.

Media boosting budget will be handled separately, if applicable.

“Influencers must ensure that one original content post (not reused or repurposed) is published daily for 100 days. Failure to comply will lead to disqualification and penalty,” Goa police said.

Influencers have to submit weekly performance analytics, post-engagement data, and impact reports to the department of information and the Goa police cyber cell.

Goa police said that all content IP created under this campaign remains the joint property of Goa police and the department of information.

“All content must be pre-approved by the designated officers of Goa police/department of information,” Vast said. “Sensitive issues, identity protection, and accuracy of information are to be maintained at the highest level.”



Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays, public holidays, and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.


Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Independence Day wishes, messages, and quotes !