Smart Tech, Safe Choices: Navigating AI this Safer Internet Day

On 10 February, we join the global community to celebrate Safer Internet Day. This year’s theme, ‘Smart tech, safe choices’, couldn’t be more timely. As artificial intelligence (AI) weaves its way into our search results, emails, and daily services, building digital inclusion means ensuring everyone has the tools to use these emerging technologies responsibly.

Staying safe online isn’t about being a tech genius; it’s about knowing when to pause, how to think critically, and where to find support.

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Understanding AI: The Three Golden Rules

While AI can be an incredible assistant, it requires a “safety-first” mindset. Here are three ways to stay in control:

1. Verify, Don’t Just Trust: AI tools can give quick answers, but they aren’t always right. They can occasionally “hallucinate” or provide misleading information. Always double-check important facts with a reliable second source.+1
2. Protect Your Privacy: If you wouldn’t post it on a public billboard, don’t type it into an AI prompt. Avoid sharing personal details like your home address, passwords, or private financial info.
3. Watch for Smarter Scams: Fraudsters are now using AI to create highly convincing fake emails and voice notes.If you receive an unexpected or urgent request for money or data, take a breath and verify the source directly.

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Building Your Digital Confidence in Wandsworth

At Power to Connect, we believe that digital literacy courses in the UK should be accessible to everyone. We are dedicated to closing the digital divide by offering free digital skills training in the UK to our local community.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by new tech, come see us! We offer free, friendly digital drop-in sessions where you can build basic IT skills and learn to navigate the web safely. No booking is required.

Find us at a Wandsworth Library near you:

Location	Day	Time
Battersea Library	Mondays	10am – 12pm
Roehampton Library	Mondays	2pm – 4pm
Battersea Park Library	Tuesdays	2pm – 4pm
Southfields Library	Wednesdays	2pm – 4pm
Wandsworth Town Library	Thursdays	10am – 12pm
Tooting Library	Fridays	2pm – 4pm

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How You Can Support Our Mission

We don’t just teach skills; we provide the hardware that makes digital inclusion possible. If you are looking to recycle computers near me or find a computer recycling charity, look no further:

• Volunteer in Wandsworth and support residents to gain vital IT skills.
• Donate laptops, tablets, or phones to reduce e-waste and support learning.
• Donate funds to support digital inclusion projects across Wandsworth.

Smart choices start with confidence. Whether you want to learn, donate, or volunteer, join us this February to make the internet a safer, more inclusive place for everyone.