MPP student Trisha Prabhu on Safer Internet Day 2024: Navigating change for a safer digital world

At 23, Trisha Prabhu is an innovator, social entrepreneur, and advocate actively reshaping the landscape of internet safety.

Currently studying for the Master of Public Policy (MPP) at the Blavatnik School, Trisha gained global recognition as the innovator behind ReThink™, technology designed for the pro-active prevention of online hate which not only found acclaim on Shark Tank, an American show highlighting entrepreneurs, but also secured Trisha a spot on Forbes' 30 Under 30 Social Impact list.

As the world marks Safer Internet Day, Trisha sheds light on the significance of the occasion:

Safer Internet Day is an incredible opportunity to raise awareness about cyberbullying and online harassment, issues disproportionately affecting the youth. Recent events, such as the US Congress questioning big tech CEOs about youth safety, highlight the urgent need to address youth safety concerns on the internet.

Trisha’s journey at the Blavatnik School

Trisha's academic journey at the School has offered her a unique exploration of the intersection of technology, policy, and law. In navigating these complex and challenging issues, she questions how we can reconcile our commitment to free speech with speech that is safe, diverse, and inclusive.

Highlighting the importance of international collaboration, Trisha emphasises the global nature of the School:

The MPP programme has been an incredible environment to ponder these questions. Learning from fellow students around the world, many actively invested in digital regulation, has been eye-opening.

Policy challenges in the digital age

Trisha notes that law and policy, for instance, are inherently always behind digital advances. This lag creates a constant push and pull dynamic. Trisha identifies what she terms "fixable challenges," particularly emphasising the need for a trusted entity to address digital issues. This lack of a designated and trusted authority contributes to the existing disconnect between stakeholders, hindering effective collaboration. Trisha advocates for equipping policymakers with tools, such as access to platform data, which is essential for informed decision-making. She underscores the importance for individuals to bridge the gap between policy and tech perspectives, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration among diverse stakeholders. In an election year and beyond, this collaborative approach, she says, with representatives at the centre of various perspectives, is essential for crafting sound and inclusive policies.

Trisha emphasises the vital role of universities and research as accountability mechanisms, stating,

Universities, including Oxford, and research serve as powerful forces for accountability. We have a unique opportunity to delve into the realities of these technologies, both their positive and negative aspects, and hold those in power accountable.

Engaged in AI and AI harms research at the Oxford Internet Institute, and collaborating with Roxana Radu, Associate Professor of Digital Technologies and Public Policy at the School, Trisha is exploring national AI strategies through a comparative lens. Trisha also highlights Professor Ciaran Martin's mentorship, mentioning the success of the School’s team in the UK cybersecurity challenge.

On ReThink Technology and Proactive Cyberbullying Prevention

Trisha's vision at ReThink centered on reshaping the internet for a compassionate and secure digital space. Motivated by personal experiences of cyberbullying, Trisha aimed to proactively address the issue and so she developed ReThink to detect cyberbullying in real-time, allowing users, particularly those aged 13 to 18, to reconsider before sharing harmful content. Her technology has proven highly effective, with adolescents changing their minds 93% of the time, choosing not to post offensive messages. Trisha envisions ReThink as a standard feature on devices, collaborating with carriers and platforms for widespread proactive prevention.

Trisha offers tangible steps for those striving to be empowered digital citizens, offering the following actions:

• Critical information consumption: foster a critical approach to information. Scrutinise sources, exercise discernment regarding AI, and prioritise media literacy to navigate the digital realm more consciously.
• Informed advocacy: stay abreast of AI and technology developments by regularly engaging with relevant articles. This knowledge equips individuals to advocate for responsible AI use in various spheres.
• Mindful content sharing: acknowledge the impact of online content sharing. Be vigilant about what you amplify through retweets and reposts, recognising the collective influence of digital contributions on the overall online narrative.

As Safer Internet Day unfolds, Trisha Prabhu's journey is a reminder that each of us can play a part in making the internet safer. In her own words, "We can actually make the internet better for everyone." Trisha's practical efforts and fresh ideas encourage all of us to approach the online world with responsibility and kindness.

Trisha is a Rhodes Scholar.