In a move to address growing concerns over cybercrime, misinformation, and the misuse of artificial intelligence, the National Commission for Women (NCW), in collaboration with Future Shift Labs (FSL), launched the YASHODA AI initiative in Guwahati. The program, aimed at building a digitally aware and secure society, started with a two-day awareness campaign that began on August 6 at the DGP Office in Ulubari.
The workshop is aimed at educating law enforcement officers about artificial intelligence and its impact on policing and public safety. Covering topics like deepfakes and scams involving AI use, it explored the challenges that police forces face in the age of artificial intelligence. Attendees were trained in the use of modern tools like ChatGPT, the NCW’s Women Safety App, Cyber Dost, and emerging AI detection software.
AI Integration In Policing Crime: A Preventive Approach
NCW Chairperson Smt. Vijaya K. Rahatkar emphasised that a preventive mindset, strengthened by technical awareness, can change the way crimes are investigated. “When police officers understand technology, they don’t just react to crime, they prevent it,” she said, emphasising the core objective of Yashoda AI. “This initiative is about building confidence, clarity, and capability in the digital age.”
The training challenged law enforcement officers to consider the ethical aspects of using AI by discussing topics such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the importance of transparency in decision-making. By utilising real-life case studies, officers examined how AI is increasingly being used by criminals for impersonation, phishing scams, and manipulating public narratives. The session fostered open discussions, allowing participants to reflect on the evolving nature of threats and the need for adaptive policing.
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Nitin Narang, founder of Future Shift Labs, addressed the officers and remarked, “AI policing is no longer futuristic—it’s already here. The better our forces understand these tools, the more empowered and effective they become in safeguarding society.”
Empowering the Youth with Yashoda AI
The second day of the YASHODA AI campaign targeted towards educating the youth. A workshop organised at B. Borooah College aims to educate students on internet ethics, cyber safety, and the role of AI in academics and career development. Topics include the responsible use of AI tools, privacy in the digital age, and the long-term implications of digital actions.
Women’s Safety and Cybercrime in Focus
Speaking to the media, Chairperson Rahatkar highlighted the growing threat of cybercrimes against women, particularly the use of deepfakes and unauthorised sharing of personal images. “Women are suffering immensely from cybercrimes—these can shatter lives,” she said. “That’s why we’re working closely with police forces to equip them with tools and knowledge to respond swiftly and effectively.”
She also acknowledged a decline in the number of reported crime cases, indicating improvements in preventive policing mechanisms. During her Assam visit, she plans to engage with local women entrepreneurs, self-help groups, and grassroots organisations to better understand regional challenges.
