On March 27, 2025, police officers in Cahul attended a training organized by the Association of Independent Press (API), a partner of ICDC, focusing on social media safety and countering disinformation.

“The training helps people understand the dangers of social media and how to stay safe online,” said Petru Macovei, API’s Executive Director. “Basic digital skills are essential today.”

Social media plays a growing role in police work, from public communication to monitoring online threats. Officers also serve as key messengers in raising awareness among citizens.

IT expert Dumitru Cecîrlan showed participants how to recognize fake pages, deepfakes, and online scams, and how to secure their social media accounts with practical tools.

“The internet brings opportunities, but also risks like fraud and data theft,” added Macovei. “We must learn to protect ourselves.”

Police were encouraged to pass this knowledge on to the public—urging citizens not to share personal data, to stay calm when receiving suspicious messages, and to think before responding.

“We already teach children about online scams,” said Aliona Țațu from the Community Outreach Service for Minors. “This helps us do even more to protect others.”

The training is part of a broader effort to build digital resilience and reduce cybercrime risks in Moldovan communities.

“We hope police will continue sharing these messages,” concluded Macovei. “With better awareness and cooperation, we can make the internet safer for everyone.”