Awareness about cyberworld hazards needed: Nova Ahmed

Teacher-researcher Nova Ahmed has stressed the need to first identify the hazards of the cyberworld before one gets down to tackle them.

"We need to figure out first whether someone is misusing a picture or information put up on social networking sites and how," said Ahmed, assistant professor of computer science at North-South University.

She was speaking at the 'Dialogue on Safer Internet' organised by bdnews24.com on Saturday.

It was telecast live on Ekattor TV and streaming live on the website.

bdnews24.com Editor-in-Chief Toufique Imrose Khalidi anchored the interactive dialogue.  

Nova Ahmed detailed the hazards many Internet users face all the time, especially women.

"But due to lack of awareness about how to raise the problems they have faced and with whom to raise it, they end up keeping it all to themselves," she said.

“Some websites upload pictures of women with price tags next to them. The nastiest of comments are made on those photos. Price rates like Tk 500 or something like that are written next to them.”   

"And their own friends are sometimes unwilling to understand. They say my picture is not there, so there must be some reason why yours is," said the teacher.   

Nova Ahmed recounted the experience of a girl whose boyfriend had opened a fake account in her name. 

Discussants at the dialogue

"That account attracted nasty comments and the girl faced social embarrassment. Now she says she can't trust a man anymore."

But, she said, many who face such harassment prefer keeping it to themselves.

"They fear loss of freedom. Mother will not allow someone to move out with friends, father will prevent them from using the Internet, so why talk about it!"

State Minister for Post and Telecommunications Tarana Halim, State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak, RAB Director General Benazir Ahmed and BTRC Director General Brig Gen Md Emdad ul Bari were among the panellists at the dialogue.    

Unicef’s communication, advocacy and partnership chief Shima Islam also joined the session.