Avinash Takoory, Cybersecurity Expert: "Content Shared Without Consent Never Disappears with a Click"

Avinash Takoory, a cybersecurity expert, states that content shared without permission never simply disappears with a click. In Mauritius, a hyper-connected youth finds itself defenseless against fake profiles, sextortion, cyberbullying, and the distribution of intimate images. Takoory emphasizes that the country faces a rapidly increasing wave of digital violence and advocates for the establishment of a protective shield.

He defines cybercrime in Mauritius as a range of malicious acts committed online or through digital devices, which include technical attacks like intrusions, ransomware, and data theft, as well as social media abuses such as phishing, identity theft, and cyberbullying. As digitalization and mobile usage surge, Mauritius sees a rise in online scams, particularly affecting the youth.

Young people in Mauritius are most affected by cyberbullying on platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, and Telegram, experiencing insults, humiliation, and exclusion from groups. There is also a notable increase in fake profiles, identity theft, sextortion cases, and the sharing of intimate photos among school students.

Takoory highlights that the culture of "likes" pushes teenagers to seek validation and popularity, often leading them to expose themselves to danger. This quest for attention makes them less cautious and more manipulable, making them vulnerable to predators, harassment, and public humiliation.

To combat these issues, he calls for a comprehensive education process, emphasizing the need for structured cybersecurity programs in schools and active parental involvement. The role of parents is crucial in monitoring their children's online activities and discussing potential risks.

In light of recent tragic events related to cyberbullying, Takoory stresses the importance of national education campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of sharing sensitive content and the need for clear protocols to protect minors in the digital space. He also notes that the current Mauritian legislation needs to adapt to new forms of cybercrime, as existing laws were established before the rise of modern technology and their associated risks.

Overall, Takoory advocates for a collective responsibility among platforms, parents, schools, and institutions to ensure the safety of minors in an ever-evolving digital landscape. He insists that protecting the youth from the dangers of the internet is not just a task for authorities but a shared duty that requires cooperation and proactive measures.