KITE Launches 'Cyber Safety Protocol 2026' to Tackle AI Challenges for Students

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education (KITE) has published the Cyber Safety Protocol 2026 to ensure a safe digital learning environment and cyber security for students in public schools in Kerala. The protocol has been prepared by analysing the new challenges posed by artificial intelligence, cybercrimes, and their prevention methods based on existing laws. It includes specific guidelines for institutional heads, teachers, parents, and students.

The protocol aims to address thirteen issues, including raising awareness about the dangers of sharing confidential information when using generative AI tools, fostering the ability to approach digital information with discernment, identifying fake news, and transforming children into responsible digital citizens. Nine key areas of focus have been identified, including academic activities, AI usage, administrative data exchange, and online learning environments.

The directive emphasises that during school hours, internet access should be made available to all students without interruption, ensuring that students use the internet only under the supervision of teachers. Schools must form a Cyber Security Committee and appoint a Cyber Safety Coordinator. To protect children's privacy, it is also advised to avoid real-time CCTV surveillance in classrooms by using private servers while adhering to 'Privacy by Design' principles.

To avoid digital divide, teachers are instructed not to assign home assignments that require online access. For children unable to participate in events like 'Key to Entrance,' schools should provide the necessary facilities. Furthermore, teachers are advised not to allow direct use of unchecked information from the internet during class time, and to avoid using social media to collect sensitive student data.

Children are advised not to click on suspicious links, not to share live location or private information on social media, and to avoid using camera permissions or live chat in online games. It is also emphasised that children should recognise bias in AI-generated information and avoid relying solely on AI for problem-solving during learning activities.

These include controlling children’s screen time, understanding the implications of digital footprints, monitoring browsing history, and using systems like Family Link. Guardians are encouraged to participate in Cyber Security-AI Literacy programs organised by KITE. In addition to the provisions in the IT Act, Data Protection Act, and POCSO Act that offer protection for children, amendments to IT regulations regarding the control of AI (synthetic) content have been explained up to 2026.

The protocol also provides 11 general instructions such as two-factor authentication, safe downloads, and stages of filing complaints, along with explanations of 20 major cybercrimes like deepfake, AI grooming, and digital arrest, and the preventive actions and departments responsible for them.

The protocol primarily focuses on guidelines for safe use of technology. CEO of KITE, K. Anwar Sadath, mentioned that in continuation of the 'Sarvam AI Mayam' training, which has already reached 600,000 guardians, training sessions and cyber safety clinics will be organized for teachers, students, and guardians.

The Malayalam and English versions of the Cyber Safety Protocol are available on the official KITE portal at www.kite.kerala.gov.in