In a major step to address emerging cybersecurity risks in the Artificial Intelligence era, the technology wing of Kerala’s General Education Department- Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education (KITE)– has released the Cyber Safety Protocol 2026.
The framework aims to ensure a secure digital learning environment for students in Kerala’s public school system by strengthening cyber awareness, digital responsibility, and protection against emerging cyber threats.
Key Report Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Initiative | Cyber Safety Protocol 2026 |
| Implementing Body | KITE (Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education) |
| Sector | School education and digital safety |
| Target Groups | Students, teachers, school heads, and parents |
| Focus | Cybersecurity, AI risks, and safe digital learning environments |
The protocol was designed after analysing AI-driven cyber threats, rising cybercrime trends, and existing legal frameworks.
Key Cyber Threats Identified
The protocol identifies 20 major cyber threats affecting students in the digital ecosystem.
Major threats include:
- Deepfakes
- AI grooming
- Digital arrest scams
- Identity theft
- Online harassment
- Data privacy breaches
The document also outlines preventive steps and reporting mechanisms to handle these risks.
Objectives of Cyber Safety Protocol
KITE has identified 13 major objectives, focusing on digital literacy and cyber awareness.
Key objectives include:
- Educating students about risks of sharing personal information on AI platforms.
- Encouraging critical thinking about digital content.
- Teaching students to identify misinformation and manipulated media.
- Promoting responsible online behaviour and ethical technology use.
The protocol also addresses nine operational areas of school functioning, including:
- Integration of AI in education
- Data management and security
- Safe digital learning environments
- Responsible technology usage
Guidelines for Schools
The protocol outlines 17 responsibilities for school heads.
| Area | Key Guidelines |
| Internet Access | Students must have teacher-supervised internet access during school hours |
| Cyber Committees | Schools must establish Cyber Security Committees |
| Leadership | Committees should be led by designated coordinators |
| Privacy | Avoid real-time CCTV monitoring on private servers |
| Data Protection | Follow “Privacy by Design” principles |
Additional School Guidelines
- Teachers should avoid assigning homework requiring internet access at home.
- Schools should provide facilities for students who cannot participate in programmes such as Key to Entrance.
- Schools should avoid collecting sensitive student data through social media platforms.
- Teachers should avoid using unverified online data for academic purposes.
Role of Teachers
Teachers play a key role in ensuring safe digital learning.
Responsibilities include:
- Monitoring digital activity during school hours
- Verifying authenticity of online learning materials
- Encouraging safe and responsible internet use
- Avoiding over-reliance on AI-generated academic content
Role of Students
The protocol lists 25 safety measures for students.
Major recommendations include:
- Avoid clicking suspicious links
- Protect private information and live location data
- Manage camera and chat permissions in online games
- Recognize bias and misinformation in AI-generated content
- Avoid depending entirely on AI tools for learning
Role of Parents
Parents are given 16 practical guidelines for supporting cyber safety.
Key suggestions include:
- Monitoring children’s screen time
- Understanding the concept of digital footprints
- Using parental monitoring tools such as Family Link
- Encouraging responsible online behaviour
KITE will also conduct Cyber Security and AI literacy programmes for parents.
Training and Awareness Programmes
The Cyber Safety Protocol builds on the earlier initiative:
- Sarvam AI Mayam training programme
Under this programme:
- 6 lakh parents received training on AI awareness and digital safety.
The protocol will be supported by:
- Cyber safety workshops
- Training sessions for educators
- Cyber safety clinics for students and parents
The full protocol is available in Malayalam and English on the official KITE portal.
Legal Framework Supporting Protocol
The Cyber Safety Protocol is aligned with several Indian laws related to cybercrime and child protection.
| Law | Purpose |
| Information Technology Act, 2000 | India’s primary law governing cybercrime and electronic commerce |
| Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 | Protection of personal digital data |
| Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) | Child protection against sexual abuse |
| 2026 IT Rules on Synthetically Generated Information (SGI) | Regulates AI-generated content such as deepfakes |
Significance
- One of India’s first comprehensive cyber safety frameworks for school students.
- Addresses emerging AI-related cyber threats such as deepfakes and AI grooming.
- Strengthens digital literacy and responsible internet usage among students.
- Encourages parental involvement in cyber safety.
- Aligns school digital practices with national cyber laws and AI regulations.