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Feature: APP able to locate digital "trace" helps save lives in Greece

Xinhua, June 28, 2015 Adjust font size:

"Through the innovative functions of CYBER ALERT we have saved 1,160 people, 30 percent of which were minors," a high ranking Greek police officer told Xinhua about an innovative mobile application (APP) of the Greek Police to combat cyber-crime and save lives.

In one of the latest success stories, the system CYBER ALERT helped the police locate the whereabouts of two minors, aged 15 and 17, who were reported missing. The Cyber Crime Unit of the Greek Police, which runs the program, was able to locate the digital "trace" of the teenagers, through their social media accounts.

The police are now investigating whether these two cases are related to the "Game of 72", a new online trend that challenges minors to "disappear" from their homes for 72 hours without being found. The dangerous game started in Europe and spreads by word of mouth on social media.

"CYBER ALERT is a website that provides information to parents and children about safe navigation on the internet," Manolis Sfakianakis, Director of the Cyber Crime Unit of the Greek Police, explained to Xinhua in a recent presentation of the program.

Through the mobile version of the application CYBER KID, an initiative of the Ministry of Citizen Protection and the Police Headquarters, sponsored by the mobile network operator WIND, citizens can have immediate and interactive communication with the police in real time in case of danger or threat.

The CYBER KID mobile application was officially presented to Greek schools in September 2014 and has received the Golden Award of the Mobility Forum & Apps Awards 2015 in Greece, in the category of Best Social and Economic Development App. The CYBER ALERT service also operates an SOS telephone number, 11188, that is available 24 hours a day.

Earlier this year, CYBER ALERT helped the Greek police prevent the suicide of a 16-year old girl, a few days before the Greek Orthodox Easter in April, according to Sfakianakis.

The police were informed by another teenager who had just had an online discussion with the 16-year-old, that she was planning to commit suicide because she was being a victim of domestic violence.

After relevant investigation to determine the whereabouts of the girl, the police intervened and the girl, who had already injured her left hand with a sharp object, was taken to hospital for medical and psychological care while her parents were persecuted.

In another case, thanks to the same system, the Greek Police were able within just 8 minutes to locate another young girl, who was injuring herself live on the internet.

"The best way to protect your children is to be close to them, be their friend, talk to them and let them talk to you," Sfakianakis said.

The Cyber Crime Unit of the Greek police, which have received several international awards, have established a close cooperation with the Chinese police as well, mainly in issues of innovation and cyber-crime, Sfakianakis said. Enditem