Google has a long history of openly sharing our security learnings, experiences, and technologies with the online community, and useful resources and tips to keep people safe in the digital world. The internet has become increasingly important to everyone, particularly when our daily routines, learning, and working have been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. With the increase in digital adoption, it’s more pressing for Hong Kong people and families to stay safe and smart online, by mastering the safer internet tips.
Google Hong Kong, together with the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, Hong Kong (PCPD), invited the local illustrator Dustykid to promote safer internet tips and raise the awareness of hidden dangers if one is being careless. The illustration series will be based on the everyday challenges faced by the Dustykid Family, and show the important steps to keep you and your family safe online. Furthermore, community partners including Caritas Youth and Community Service, as well as WebOrganic, which is the Information Technology Resource Center of The Hong Kong Council of Social Service, will promote the safer internet tips among local families.
Safer Internet Campaign by Google Hong Kong and PCPD reminds everyone how to stay safe and smart online
Over the past 12 months, the top trending search keywords in Hong Kong have included “Phishing”, “Malware” and “Hacking”. According to Google data, as many as 4 billion usernames and passwords around the globe have been exposed due to third-party breaches, yet more than 75% of internet users still struggle with managing and keeping track of their passwords.1 During the pandemic, Google blocks more than 100 million phishing emails every day, including more than 18 million phishing emails related to COVID-19,2 showing the major internet safety threat all users face.
Leonie Valentine, Managing Director, Sales & Operations, Google Hong Kong said, “Hong Kong people across all ages have become more digitally-savvy over the past 3 years, according to Google’s Smarter Digital City Whitepaper 3.0. Hence, bringing attention to safer internet best practices is more important than ever. Google has been promoting digital citizenship and safety, for example with the interactive ‘Be Internet Awesome’ platform. We invited local illustrator Dustykid to make the safer internet tips easy-to-follow and relevant for everyone and all families in Hong Kong. We are grateful to have support from the PCPD, as well as community partners Caritas Youth and Community Service and WebOrganic, to encourage everyone to become a smarter netizen.”
The PCPD said, “In addition to enforcing the law to protect citizens’ right to privacy, the PCPD also acts as an educator to raise public awareness of protecting and respecting privacy through publicity and education. The story of ‘The Dustykid Family’ reminds everyone of the importance of protecting online privacy in a simple and reader-friendly way. This aligns with the emphasis of the PCPD in advocating for staying smart online to protect your personal data.”
Safer Internet tips and illustration series with Dustykid
The “Be Safe and Smart Online” safer internet tips and illustrations created by local illustrator Dustykid will stress the importance of safer internet and hands-on tips for local families provided by Google Hong Kong and the PCPD. The everyday stories, including Dustymama’s online shopping experience, Dustypapa’s social networking habit, and Dustykid’s password setting experience, help remind everyone to make informed and smart choices online. The illustration series is available on Dustykid’s Facebook and Instagram (Chinese), as well as Dustykid World’s Facebook and Instagram (English), starting from May 19, 2020.
