Safer Internet Day 2023

Safer Internet Day is observed on the second day of the second week of February every year to emphasise the importance of building a safer and more responsible internet. This day is organized by Insafe, an organization that promotes safer usage of the internet. This year, Safer Internet Day will be celebrated on 7 February 2023.

As the internet has become part of our daily lives, it is up to us to ensure that it remains a safe space for everyone. Through initiatives such as Safer Internet Day, the need to prioritize internet usage safety can be highlighted.

What is Safer Internet Day?

Safer Internet Day is a day marked out to highlight the importance of creating a safer and more responsible internet environment. The idea is to ensure that users browse the internet securely, without exposing themselves to cyber risks. This year, the 20th edition of Safer Internet Day will be celebrated around the world.

The initiative for organizing Safer Internet Day is taken by Insafe, an organization that has multiple Awareness Centres around the world that help people realize the importance of prioritizing internet safety.

Safer Internet Day 2023 Theme

The theme for Safer Internet Day 2023 is yet to be announced. With 7 February just around the corner, the theme can be announced any day. Every year, a new theme is shared with the world to help uniformize the celebrations. Last year, Safer Internet Day was celebrated on 8 February 2022 with the theme “Together for a Better Internet”.

Here, we have shared some of the previous year’s Safer Internet Day themes:

Significance of Safer Internet Day

In the digital age, building a secure online environment is a must and Safer Internet Day is a significant initiative for the same. With so many transactions, functions and communications taking place online and with so many young people using social media and other online platforms, internet safety is a priority concern.

Here is why it is significant to observe days such as Safer Internet Day 2023:

• There are various cyber risks on the internet such as cyberbullying, theft of digital identity, theft of data, cyber-attacks through malware or hacking, and cyber predators.
• Safer Internet Day mobilises actors across nations to raise awareness and coordinate initiatives to build internet security, particularly initiatives involving young people.
• It provides a call to diverse stakeholders to join together despite their differing interests and find a way to build a more responsible online environment.
• These stakeholders include parents, educators, organisations, policy-makers, internet businesses, companies, and media representatives.
• Safer Internet Day also provides an incentive to organisations and individuals to use that day to organise an event on internet safety or reassess their internet security protocol.
• Given that the online world is now intrinsically connected with people's everyday lives, it is all the more important to take online safety seriously.

History of Safer Internet Day

The history of Safer Internet Day can be traced back to 2003 when it was first celebrated around the world. This day is an opportunity for various organisations and stakeholders in different countries to show their commitment to a safer internet space. As Safer Internet Day 2023 approaches, here is some background information about this day:

• It began as an initiative of the EU SafeBorders project in 2004 and was then taken up by the Insafe network of European Safer Internet Centres (SICs) in 2005.
• Safer Internet Day is now organised by the Insafe network with the support of the European Commission.
• This day is now celebrated in approximately 200 countries and territories across the globe.
• Safer Internet Day places particular emphasis on protecting young people and spreading awareness on how they can take steps to protect themselves online.

Key Facts About Safer Internet Day

Here, we have shared some interesting and important facts about Safer Internet Day:

• While it is a European initiative, Safer Internet Day (SID) is also celebrated outside Europe and is now a globally marked occasion.
• In 2009, SID Committees were introduced, to connect across different countries and extend the network.
• There are now more than 100 SID Committees across the world working with the Safer Internet Day Coordination Team, which is based at the EU headquarters in Brussels
• In India, the SID Committee is the New Delhi-based NGO called DISC (Developing Internet Safe Community) Foundation
• Safer Internet Day 2022 highlighted the participation of young people on the internet and what measures they should take to ensure internet safety.

FAQs on Safer Internet Day

Q.1. What is Safer Internet Day?

Safer Internet Day is a day dedicated to highlighting the importance of creating a safer internet and a more responsible internet environment. This day started as an initiative of the EU SafeBorders project in 2004 and was then taken up by the Insafe network of European Safer Internet Centres (SICs) in 2005.

Q.2. When is Safer Internet Day celebrated?

Safer Internet Day is celebrated every year on the second day of the second week of February. This year, Safer Internet Day will be celebrated on 7 February 2023 (Tuesday). On this day, people come together to highlight the need for prioritizing internet safety for a safe experience.

Q.3. What is the theme of Safer Internet Day 2023?

The Safer Internet Day 2023 theme has not been announced yet. However, it is expected to be announced shortly. The Safer Internet Day 2022 theme was “Together for a Better Internet,” which emphasized the need for a collective effort to make the internet a truly safe place for everyone.

Q.4. Why is Safer Internet Day celebrated?

Safer Internet Day is celebrated every year to remind people of the importance of internet safety. As more and more people are using the internet on a daily basis for various purposes, it becomes imperative to talk about common online safety threats and how to overcome them.

Q.5. Which organisation started Safer Internet Day?

The EU SafeBorders project started the Safer Internet Day in 2004. However, now, the Insafe network of European Safer Internet Centres organises the initiative of Safer Internet Day, with the support of the European Commission. This day is celebrated on the second day of the second week of February every year.