Hyderabad: Controversial online game Blue Whale is not at all an app available for downloading. It is also not available on any website, say IT and cyber crime experts.
There are no links for the Blue Whale game available online. The game becomes active on the basis of a one-on-one interaction between the curator and the player.
The curator and the player use ‘code’ hashtags to get in touch with each other. Teens from the age group of 13 to 19 years are the most vulnerable group.
The Blue Whale game is not a freely downloadable game, application or software. Children cannot access it on their smartphones through app stores or on social media platforms like Facebook.
It is shared among secretive groups on the social media networks. The creators seek their players or victims and send them an invitation to join in.
Though the government has ordered blocking of the game, it has failed as it does not exist. Disabling the usage of those hashtags could be an option, said experts.
Chandrajeet Singh, an IT expert, said, “Governments have asked tech giants like Google and social media players like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and others to delete all the Blue Whale links from their platform. But that is not possible, because even these tech giants don’t exercise full control over the content they host. The Blue Whale game is not an app available for download. It is not even a website.”
“Most of them think it’s a game which can be downloaded from playstore and there are no links for the Blue Whale game available online. Probably, disabling the usage of those hashtags could be a sensible decision. But then people can use new hashtags. You can’t the ban language itself. The curator or the admin is arrested but there may be other admins which we may not be aware of,” he added.
G. Srinivas Reddy, a cyber security expert, said, “There is a simple option to protect our kids from the deadly game. By installing security software in our phones, laptops and computers which will have a parental control option in the software.”
Internet doesn’t have boundaries so it is very difficult to block this game. Our country has many Internet service providers and operators. The awareness level is low in India. Government agencies and ethical hackers are working on to curb this game in our country but parental control is the most important thing to save our kids from this deadly game, he adds.
Swati Lakra of Cyber Crime said, “We are releasing an advisory to create awareness among parents and kids. Parents should keep a strict vigilance on the kids and monitor the screen time as well as keep a watchful eye on their children’s online activities. Parents need to observe their child’s behaviour closely because parents can easily understand the changes in their behaviour if they are playing the Blue Whale game.”
Adventurism woos teens to play game
The thrill of doing scary things attracts teens towards this dangerous game, noted psychologists.
Dr Diana Monteiro, a counselling psychologist, said, “Challenges set in it and the thrill of doing dangerous and scary things attract teenagers. Online and phone activities need to be monitored constantly to ensure the content that teens and kids are watching or exposed to.”
She added, “Nothing can replace an excellent parenting. However, this doesn’t always mean that teens will open up. If you suspect your child is playing this game, talk to them about it and get them a professional help immediately.”
Tips for students
Online friends do not last long.
Make sure age appropriateness of an online activity.
Do not make friends with people whom you do not know.
Use email address without name.
Set strict privacy standards while setting up online profile.
Share pictures and videos carefully.
Be careful while uploading online content.
How to kill the killer
If you find your child playing the Blue Whale challenge, stop him/her from using the Internet
Inform the police if the child is caught red-handed
Make sure that the child has access only to age-appropriate online sites
Make sure that the computer is placed in a visible place in the house.
Interact with children often. Encourage ethical and safe online behaviour.
Control over all devices used by children. Keep an eye on online activities.
Be a role model to your child.
Talk to other parents and seek their advice
Keep yourself updated about the latest online trends
Observe your child's behaviour closely.
Consult school authorities or a child psychologist, in case of an untoward incident
