Session Description:
Social media platforms have become integral to modern communication, yet they are rife with risks such as identity theft, misinformation, phishing, and privacy breaches. These vulnerabilities disproportionately affect users in underserved communities, where digital literacy and security awareness may be limited. The session aims to address these issues by equipping participants with strategies to navigate and secure their presence on social media platforms effectively.
This interactive workshop will combine live demonstrations of common social media threats with practical exercises to empower participants to identify, mitigate, and prevent these risks. By highlighting the role of social media platforms in ensuring accountability and security, the session will advocate for collaborative solutions that align with the theme of Promoting Digital Ubuntu in Approaches to Technology.

Key Objectives:
Highlight Risks: Provide an in-depth understanding of social media threats such as identity theft, phishing, and misinformation.
Promote Awareness: Equip participants with tools and best practices for secure social media usage.
Foster Accountability: Discuss the role of social media platforms in enhancing security features and tackling misinformation.
Build Capacity: Empower participants to advocate for and implement secure practices within their communities.

Expected Outcomes:
Practical Skills: Participants will leave with actionable skills to secure their social media accounts and detect misinformation.
Community Advocacy: Empowered participants will advocate for secure and informed social media usage in their communities.
Collaborative Solutions: The session will produce recommendations for improving platform accountability and fostering safer online environments.

Target Audience:
Community leaders and grassroots organizations.
Social media users from underserved communities.
Digital rights advocates and educators.
Policymakers and platform representatives.