Mobile app to update traffic diversions on anvil in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state police’s Cyberdome is bringing out a mobile app to provide traffic-related realtime information like diversions to the public. A Social Media Lab to curb social media related crimes, especially against women and children, is also being set up. Chief Minister Mr. Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the new facilities at a function to be held in Technopark at 9.30 a.m. on Saturday. An ethical hacking workshop and competition will also be organised in this connection.

The traffic app, 'Kerala Traffic Police Mobile App' that could be downloaded free of cost, would offer live updates on traffic diversions across the state. The Public could also update information regarding traffic congestions or road blocks, which would be posted after verification, said IG Thiruvananthapuram range Mr. Manoj Abraham, who is the nodal officer of Cyberdome, a project of the police with participation of IT experts from the private sector. The app will also have the facility for the public to report traffic offences.

The Social Media Lab is being set up considering the increasing crimes over social media, ranging from pornography to online sex trade. The lab will carry out social media patrolling to prevent crimes, mainly against women and children, pornography and online sex trafficking. Tracking absconding criminals with the help of social media, gathering intelligence inputs and countering false propaganda against the police are also the activities of the lab.

"With social media becoming the major medium of communication and the number of crimes over this platform increasing, a Social Media Lab has become imminent," said Mr.  Abraham. The Social Media Lab will also assist investigations. A comprehensive website of Cyberdome to be launched on Saturday would be a virtual platform of Cyberdome volunteers, mainly IT professionals and ethical hackers, to connect with the police team at Cyberdome.