New Delhi, October 7, 2025 — India marked a landmark moment in global digital safety with the inaugural Trust & Safety India Festival (TASI Festival), hosted in New Delhi. Organized by the Centre for Social Research (CSR India) under the leadership of Dr. Ranjana Kumari, the festival convenes policymakers, industry leaders, civil society, and academics to address critical issues around AI, digital governance, and online trust and safety.

Dr. Ranjana Kumari: From Gender Justice to Digital Safety

For decades, Dr. Kumari has been a leading voice in gender justice, women’s empowerment, and social policy in India and is a member of the WNC. As the Director of CSR India, she has expanded the organization’s work into digital safety, emphasizing the protection of citizens — especially women and vulnerable groups — in the online world. Her initiatives include educating youth about online risks, advocating for policy reforms, and collaborating with platforms such as Meta to address cybercrime and online harassment.

Through CSR, Dr. Kumari has convened national and global stakeholders to discuss pressing issues in digital safety, combining grassroots interventions with high-level advisory work. She sits on the boards of global tech platforms’ safety councils and advises policymakers, ensuring civil society’s voice is central to shaping India’s digital governance framework.

Dr. Ranjana Kumari, a leading advocate for women’s rights and social justice, has been at the forefront of efforts to create safe, inclusive, and accountable digital spaces.

“The Trust & Safety India Festival sends out a strong, inclusive, and pro-people message at a pivotal moment for digital governance worldwide,” said India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, commending Dr. Kumari for her initiative.

AI: Promise, Peril, and the Path Forward

Under Dr. Kumari’s leadership, the festival brings together global and Indian experts to address pressing issues such as AI-driven online harms, child protection, gender-based violence online, and ethical content creation. Panels explore how technology can empower citizens without compromising safety, with a focus on children, youth, and marginalized communities.

Driving Change Through Leadership

Dr. Kumari’s efforts have culminated in landmark initiatives such as the Trust & Safety India Festival, which she convened to bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society. The festival explores pressing issues like child online protection, gender-responsive digital spaces, technology-facilitated abuse, and ethical AI governance.

“Our mission is to make digital spaces safe, inclusive, and empowering for everyone,” she says. “Protecting citizens online is a continuation of the struggle for equality and justice.”