Cybersecurity specialists in Panama emphasized the critical need for public education on online risks this week. Their warnings came during global observations for Safer Internet Day, an international campaign now in its third decade. Experts specifically highlighted the dual-edged nature of rapidly advancing artificial intelligence tools.
The initiative, active for over 22 years and uniting more than 100 countries, focuses on guiding populations toward safer online habits. Felipe Ruiz, Vice President of IT Security for Liberty Latin America, framed the current digital moment as one of both significant opportunity and profound challenge. He argued that new technologies demand understanding and critical judgment from users of all ages.
“Technology can be intelligent, but it does not replace human judgment,” Ruiz said. [Translated from Spanish] “A safer internet starts with people. It starts with the decisions we make, the habits we build, and the awareness we share.”
Ruiz stressed that while AI can simplify daily and academic tasks, it is not an infallible source. This reality makes user education, particularly for young people, more urgent than ever. The goal is to build foundational digital literacy that keeps pace with technological evolution.
Core Safety Recommendations for Families and Educators
For children and teenagers, Ruiz outlined several non-negotiable rules. Thinking before posting anything online is essential because digital information can be permanent. He advised against sharing personal details and recommended skepticism toward suspicious messages or invitations. Young users should always seek help from a trusted adult if an online interaction feels uncomfortable.
Parents have a different role to play. Ruiz suggested that accompaniment and guidance yield better results than pure surveillance. Practical steps include using parental controls, managing screen time, and properly configuring privacy settings on social media apps and platforms. The approach should be collaborative rather than adversarial.
Teachers and tutors carry a key responsibility in the educational sphere. Ruiz said they must instruct students on basic privacy rules, source verification, online respect, and reporting mechanisms for abuse. Fostering critical thinking is now a primary defense against misinformation, including false content generated by AI systems.
Universal Security Practices for All Users
The cybersecurity expert provided a list of protective measures applicable to everyone. Keeping all devices and software updated is a simple first step. Installing reputable antivirus software provides another layer of defense. He strongly recommended activating two-factor authentication on email and social media accounts.
Ruiz also warned about a common tactic in digital fraud schemes. Messages designed to create an artificial sense of urgency should always be treated with extreme caution. Pausing to verify a request’s legitimacy can prevent many scams.
From his position at the telecommunications provider Más Móvil, a Cable & Wireless Panama operation, Ruiz noted the company’s active outreach. They develop forums, webinars, community events, and training sessions to promote safer technology adoption. These efforts intentionally focus on children and other vulnerable populations, aiming to build a more secure digital environment for Panama.