PSD initiative raises awareness on protection from cybercrime

AMMAN — The Public Security Department (PSD) on Monday launched the second initiative of the “I Rise Because I Am Jordanian” campaign to raise awareness on cybercrimes and the dangers of using the Internet without precautions.

The PSD launched the campaign’s second initiative, “Electronic Crimes: The Internet is Your World — Protect Yourself”, at the University of Jordan (UJ) while lectures on the topic were delivered at 15 private and public universities across the Kingdom at the same time.

The initiative is aimed at educating young Jordanians on the safe use of the Internet and social media, Deputy PSD Director for Criminal Investigation Affairs Maj. Gen. Tahsin Momani said. 

UJ Vice President Ghaleb Sweis emphasised the importance of starting such initiatives, which provide Internet users with a better idea of how to protect themselves online.

Captain Hazem Mistarehi, who is also a correspondent of Amen FM, the PSD’s radio station, said the campaign aims at bringing attention to the possible crimes committed on the Internet and to reach out to as many students from all governorates.

“As the use of social media is becoming more common in our society, it is important to highlight the crimes that can be committed online,” he told The Jordan Times.

He added that the reason the campaign started at universities is due to the large number of students using social media and the Internet without realising the dangers they could face.

The campaign will continue with awareness lectures at schools and universities on the topic of cybercrimes, which include hacking, identity theft, extremism, blackmail, libel and fraud, according to Mistarehi.

Omar Obeidat, director of student activities at UJ, said the campaign’s goal is to reach Internet users, starting from Jordanian universities to spread across the country.

“The biggest sector in our society is young people — the students. These citizens are between the ages of 17 and 25,” Obeidat told The Jordan Times.

“The best place to discuss issues like the dangers of the Internet with young Jordanians is on campus, where many of them use the Web for different purposes,” he added.

The first initiative of the "I Rise Because I Am Jordanian" campaign, launched last month, focused on the disadvantages of littering, with around 250,000 bumper stickers that read: “I do not throw trash from the car” distributed to motorists. 

The campaign’s main aim is to combat negative behaviours on the street or online that threaten the safety of Jordanians, according to PSD officials.