Connectivity for Internally Displaced People in Ukraine
Today, more than 3,7 million people are internally displaced in Ukraine. Many of them were separated from some of their loved ones, lost access to education or work, and have been facing stress and anxiety regarding the conflict situation of the country for more than four years. TSF currently provides connectivity in 27 temporary centers for IDPs (Internally Displaced People). This free Wi-Fi enables people to stay in contact with their loved ones, access information, education, and more. But the Internet has its risks, and they can be heightened by vulnerable situations.
Online Risks for People Displaced by the War
People living in a context of a war can face heightened risks online. For example, isolated people worrying for their loved ones – especially people with family fighting in the conflict – can fall victim to cyber threats claiming to have information on their family member. People struggling financially due to the conflict might be more likely to enter scams. More generally, people in this context are often stressed, isolated and anxious, making them more vulnerable to online misinformation and cyber threats as a whole. Older people, who are an important part of the internally displaced population, also tend to lack digital skills and literacy, exposing them to further risks.
Digital Safety Workshops in IDP shelters
After identifying needs, TSF developed a new pilot project in Ukraine to empower internally displaced people in their use of the internet. Working with shelter managers, TSF started providing digital safety workshops, with explanations by different actors and hands-on exercises. TSF also created digital safety awareness material for people living in shelters, using clear visuals and accessible information.
A participant to one of the workshops shared how digital risks affected her: "I received a message in messenger from a friend asking me to vote for her niece in the contest. I followed the link and did it. In the morning, my friends were already calling me and asking why I needed money. Someone hacked my messenger and started asking my friends for money on my behalf. If I had known about these risks earlier, this would not have happened."
So far, two trainings have been held in collective centers in Vinnytsia.
Learn more about our work in Ukraine here.
